Holly Rose Marie Cunningham – Please remember me as the great hugger, or “Hugga”. I passed away this week, after a beautiful life of 55 years. I was born on January 19, 1963, into a wonderful family who loved each and every day. I was one of their many blessings!
As the youngest of seven children to parents, Sara and James Cunningham; I lived with Mom and Dad for 36 years, in our home in East River St. Mary’s. Wonderful memories growing up in that very special place on the hill included great opportunities for me where I lived “the good life”. I was part of the “threesome”; as when Dad would take Mom to churches to speak at services; it has been said that I travelled in the back seat of the car “as their support”. I attended schools and even got to drive on a school bus; all this was due to the support of my parents to ensure that I did not miss out. I had great teachers, too. Marie Farrell and Karen Russell were my two favourites!
It was Karen who became my guardian angel as when Mom’s health changed; Karen took me into her home for a year until I became part of the HCRS family. While with Karen, I continued to attend Summer Street Industries (SSI). I loved the staff and my buddies until I retired in June, 2014. While attending, I was encouraged of my potential with the love and guidance of great staff, who never ever gave up on me. Our parents appreciated the support of Highland Community Residential Services (HCRS) when I went to visit. Now, it was time for me to make my roots with my extended family of HCRS. My Mom was awaiting her move to Valley View Villa, where she would reside and be cared for until her passing in 2010.
With my move to HCRS, my family soon realized, I was amongst great and caring people. My siblings ensured that I still got to visit Mom at the Villa. Dad would be there too, visiting Mom, (he passed away in 2003). The HCRS staff loved and cared for me as if I were their own and after several years, we were thrilled to move into a new facility in Plymouth. They said that I handled the move the best, like I was getting back out to the country. My family appreciated that staff would beautifully decorate my bedroom over the years, always considering every “Holly detail”. My siblings decorated with many family pictures, especially of me, when I was younger. The staff had such caring ideas, like the necessary night light that would stay on if there were a power outage. The family “could write a book” of many things provided to me and they very much appreciated that when my health changed throughout the years, the staff would embrace me to ensure that my good care continued.
“Thank you” to all who were part of a wonderful life! To the HCRS team, Dr. Park, SSI folks, and especially all those who stepped up when my needs were critical. Many went “beyond the normal” with my care. Thank you to all who just loved me for being “Holly”.
My parents and my sister, Martha Grace were waiting; and it was time to join them. My family will be strong, as our memories are the best! To my siblings: Margaret Booth (Donnie Benoit); Jamie (Sally) Cunningham; Mary (Eldon) Schofield, Barbara (Jim) Dobrowolski and Heather Cunningham, “I love you and thank you for all we did together over the years. I especially loved your exciting visits; may you smile and remember, my squeals of delight!” Love and hugs to my nieces and nephews: Peter (Sherrill) MacDonald; Martha (Cameron) MacLean; Jodi and Jonathan Cunningham. To my great niece, Margaret MacLean … “Margaret, you are my legacy as you open up all doors of awareness for people to know how blessed life is with super heroes like you and me!”
Your support to my family and HCRS family is appreciated. My visitation from 2-5 pm on Friday, February 23, 2018 at H.W. Angus Funeral Home, New Glasgow, a service will be held in the H.W. Angus Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 11 am with Rev. Derek Elsworth officiating. Committal at East River St. Mary’s Cemetery. Donations may be made to the East River St. Mary’s Cemetery (via H.W. Angus Funeral Home) or to a charity of your choice. “Trust me, I will still be hugging in Heaven!”
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