Joanne Cunningham

Joanne Cunningham, 90, of Corning, NY, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November, 1 2022, with loving family by her side.

Joanne was born on November 5, 1931 in Albany, NY. She was the daughter of Martin T. Shepard and Margaret (Cronin) Shepard. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to Norwich, NY. She then moved to Corning with her family at a young age and attended St. Mary's school.

She was a graduate of Corning Free Academy High School. She later went on to complete some college courses at Corning Community College and Geneseo State College. She went on to become a teacher's assistant at Carder School. She enjoyed working with children and was very proud of this position.

On April 18, 1953, Joanne married Donald L. Cunningham in Corning, NY at St. Mary's Church. She was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Church. They set up house on the North side of town. In 1962, they bought their home on West Sixth Street and lived there for over 60 years raising their 7 children.

Joanne loved to spend time with her family and was happiest when surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She especially enjoyed a close relationship with her sister, Sheila, spending time together and having long conversations by phone. She also enjoyed reading and gardening. Joanne spent many hours happily caring for her back yard flower garden and lovingly tended her plants for many years. Joanne loved bird watching and often named her feathery friends. Joanne was a true animal lover, allowing all kinds of "pets" to be brought into her home by her children. In later years she had Siamese cats. Two favorite pets were her dogs, Hershey, a Chocolate Cocker Spaniel and Teddy, a Theodore Roosevelt Terrier. They were treasured family members and were loved and very spoiled. Another pastime of Joanne's was rooting for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame University. She was one of their biggest cheerleaders along with her sister, Sheila. She was also a big fan of the Kentucky Derby and would choose a horse to win and excitedly cheer the whole track.

She is survived by two daughters, Peggy (Bob) Morgan of Millville, NJ and Laurie (Eric) Soehnlein of Elmira, NY; three sons, Martin Cunningham of Corning, Kevin Cunningham of Corning, and Brian (Carol) Cunningham of Newton Falls, Ohio, 16 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, her sister, Sheila (Gene) Brautigan; very special and loved family member, Jeannine Rinck of Tuckhahoe, NJ; and several nieces and nephews, along with great nieces and nephews.

Joanne was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her eldest daughter, Cathleen Cunningham; and her eldest son, Shaun Cunningham.

Joanne's family has entrusted her care to Haughey Funeral Home, Inc. A public visitation for friends and family will be held on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 from 11AM-1PM in the chapel at Haughey Funeral Home, Inc., 216 E. 1st St. in Corning. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the St. Mary's Church, 155 State St. in Corning beginning at 1:30 pm. Funeral procession and burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Corning.

Memorial contributions, if desired, can be made to foundations for diabetes research.