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ELLEN IRENE CUNNINGHAM
Date of Passing: Apr 07, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryELLEN IRENE CUNNINGHAM (CLARK) 1943 - 2015 It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of our beautiful, vivacious mom, daughter, auntie, sister, grandmother and friend. Mom passed away the morning of April 7, 2015 at Boundary Trails Health Centre. Mom was born in Ste. Rose du Lac. She was predeceased by her biological parents, Sidney and Joan Clark and her husband, James Cunningham. At the age of 12, she was placed in the care of Langley and Marion Jones. She attended Nelson McIntyre Collegiate and worked a short while at Eaton's and Manitoba Telephone System in Winnipeg. She married Jim Cunningham in 1962 and in 1970, with their two daughters, they moved to Thompson, Manitoba. During her 35 years she worked for Inco Ltd., the Mystery Lake School Division, Awasis Agency and Child and Family Services. She developed many working relationships and was "mom" to more than a few. After retirement, she enjoyed many days at their cabin in Paint Lake. She found tranquility in gardening, quilting and fishing off the dock. Longer summers and shorter winters became a priority with age and in 2005, they moved out of the north to Paradise Village near Ste. Anne, Manitoba. In 2014, she became the president of the Paradise Village Association. She took her role and responsibilities seriously and obtained government grants that were instrumental in creating healthy living for seniors. Mom lived her life a free agent that wasn't afraid to be herself. She defended the weak and was a voice for those that couldn't speak. She will be remembered for her iron will, tenacity and passion for any challenge presented to her. She had a magnetic effect on those around her and made friends easily. We have warm memories of when she brought family and friends together for good food, good wine, love and laughs. A card shark, mom could play a wicked game of bridge, whisk or poker. She so looked forward to her game nights at Paradise Village. Mom cherished most her grandchildren. She was their superhero, their champion, their confidant. Now she is their angel. Left to mourn her passing is her mother, Marion Jones; her daughters, Lee Bassett (Wilf Hildebrand) and Elizabeth Cunningham (Darryl Armstrong); her grandsons, Jeremy and Chad Bassett; her granddaughter, Sunny Armstrong; brothers, Jimmy Jones and Sam Clark (Arlene), and many friends, especially those that were near with their love and support over the last few weeks. Also left to mourn their Auntie is Fran Anderson and Marty Brazil (Orville). Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at Richer Young at Heart Club, 22 Dawson Road. We ask that those who attend wear bright colours to honor mom's spirit. In lieu of flowers and in keeping with mom's wishes, donations can be made to the KatieCares, 255 13th Street, Winkler, MB R6W 1S5. Please make cheques payable to Winkler Community Foundation, on memo line write Irene Cunningham / Katie's Cottage. Fly fast mom, take first class you deserve it. Dad is waiting with open arms, Pounder dog by his side to help lead the way. Text dad and tell him to call his girls when you arrive. Love you to the moon and back.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 09, 2015
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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I am truly sorry to learn of Irene's passing. She was an inspiration to me when I moved to Thompson to work. I remember her having a great sense of humor, as she liked to laugh at how disorganized I was. I remember an incident where she tumbled their new snowmobile (Polaris Indy 440?). They had a nice newer cabin at Paint Lake which kept her young I am sure. Irene was compassionate and caring and she will be missed by many. - Posted by: Ken Pauls (Friend) on: Apr 21, 2015
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I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She was a wonderful friend in our early years in Thompson and a beautiful person. I think of her often. - Posted by: Merilyn Simmans (long ago neighbour and friend) on: Apr 13, 2015
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Irene was a very kind and generous person. She trusted everyone. Irene was the only person we know who always left her doors open. It was no use in locking them because she gave keys to almost all her close friends and neighbors. Many times we sat sipping wine together talking and laughing. Jules and her would have their yearly tomato growing contests. She was very proud of her girls and grandchildren and their many achievements. We have many more memories to numerous to mention. Rest in peace dear friend. Our Deepest Sympathy to Liz, Lee and family members. - Posted by: Heather and Jules Burnell (Friend) on: Apr 11, 2015
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My wife Linda and I met Irene when she moved into Paradise Village ten years ago. we often walked together on the bush trails behind my house. We played cards together crib on Wednesday nights and whist on Friday nights as well as poker on Sunday nights. Irene was a terrific whist player and very competitive. rest in peace our dear friend. She always had treats for the dogs on the walks she took around the park.she was elected president of the paradise village residents association and was doing a great job until she became ill. We will miss you Irene and we will always remember you fondly. Rest in peace dear friend. Jim & Linda - Posted by: jim l'esperance (friend) on: Apr 11, 2015
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The last time I saw Irene was in the lobby at the MTS Centre at a Neil Diamond Concert. We hadn't seen each other in years but there were big hugs and those years melted away, that's the way Irene was, a heart of gold. I will dress up and listen to a few tunes and think about her on Saturday here in Thompson. - Posted by: Carolyn McCusker (Friend) on: Apr 10, 2015
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Very sorry to hear of your mom's passing Lee and Liz. - Posted by: Carolyn Halcrow (Friend of Lee) on: Apr 10, 2015
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Our thoughts, prayers and love to you all. Your Mom was an amazing person! The Kellys <3 - Posted by: melanie kelly (sharpe) (friend) on: Apr 10, 2015
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Irene was a friend and a wonderful person. We will miss seeing her walking our neighbourhood. - Posted by: Jim and Atalia Hickey (Neighbours and friends) on: Apr 09, 2015
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So sorry Lee for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time. - Posted by: Val Hrushowy (Friend of daughter Le) on: Apr 09, 2015
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In the early '70s My wife Vivian used to babysit the girls and I would drive Irene to work at INCO. Sorry to hear that both parents are gone. - Posted by: Bernie Wright (friend) on: Apr 09, 2015
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I didn't visit often but I thought of you on a regular basis. You were always straight forward and forthright never hesitating to say what was on your mind and set the story straight. I will miss you muchly Auntie Irene. So sorry I never got to say goodbye. Marty - Posted by: () on: Apr 09, 2015
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Condolences to all the family, especially Lee and Elizabeth, well known by us in Thompson. We shared the companionship, fun and many good times during cold long winters in Thompson. Irene will be missed as is well written in the obit. Rest in peace, Jim & Irene - Posted by: Heather & Gene Nawolsky (Friends) on: Apr 09, 2015
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Sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. I had a nice visit with her at The Scattered Seeds craft show in October. She was showing me all her pictures on her phone of her grandchildren. She was so proud of all of you! - Posted by: Wendy Nederhoed(Ladyka) (friend of Lee) on: Apr 09, 2015
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I worked at Child and Family Services with Irene for a quite a few years, loved her spirit and was always there to help everybody. She will be missed. Loved one story when somebody dropped papers etc. on the floor, everybody walked by it all morning and she watched, not a soul picked it up until I happened to go by and did pick it up. She called me into the office and congratulated me and told me the story of all walking on. Also when I retired she gave me little plant gnomes, still have them, think of her each time I water the plants. Share your stories of her and your dad, it will help with your grieving. Hugs to all. - Posted by: Elaine Strate (Friend) on: Apr 09, 2015