Sara Margaret (Cameron) Cunningham, 87, East River St. Mary's, Pictou Co., passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 9, 2010, in Valley View Villa, Riverton.
Born in East River St. Mary's, Sara was the daughter of the late John MacKenzie and Martha (Dickson) Cameron.
Sara received her early education in New Town school and graduated from New Glasgow High School and from the Nova Scotia Normal College (Teacher's College), Truro. Sara became a deaconess through the Presbyterian Missionary and Deaconess Training College, Toronto. She was a member of Zion Presbyterian Church, East River St. Mary's. Sara taught school and did mission work in New Brunswick, as well as lovingly served for over three years as a Presbyterian missionary in British Guiana (now Guyana), South America. Sara returned from Guyana in 1949, and within a month married James Stanley Cunningham who had waited for her return - it was a marriage blessed by heaven.
Through her faith and love of God, Sara was very involved in the church and the community. She provided substitute teaching to the local area and for many years, she continued her deaconess work through many services that included pulpit supply to the local counties. Sara, Jim and daughter, Holly, travelled miles to minister to many congregations. Sara was faithful in visiting the sick and lonely in their homes, in the hospitals and in nursing homes. At the appropriate times, her visits would include scripture and prayer. Sara was very instrumental in the Women's Missionary Society Eastern Division (now the AMS) and was their editor of the monthly publication for 18 years. Sara was faithful and dedicated to the Canadian Bible Society and was recognized as an honorary member. She was also involved with the East River St. Mary's Women's Institute and was editor of their Atlantic publication, the "Home and Country" for almost eight years. She and Jim organized and mailed parcels of needed items to the people of Guyana through the AMS (Atlantic Missionary Society) for almost 10 years. Sara loved and never lost touch with her friends from Guyana - her family has been blessed to come to know many over the years through their visits and phone calls.
Sara loved all those she came in contact with. Her unconditional love for her family, her community, her friends and those in need will always be fondly remembered. Sara led the Mission Band, the Explorers, Sunday School, as well as the Daily Vacation Bible School. Many will treasure her missionary "flannelgraph" stories she told. For years, Sara made gold painted "Praying Hands" to give to the lonely and shut-ins, as well as to friends and newly wedded couples.
Sara and Jim had seven children. Although they suffered the loss of a beloved daughter, and for over 30 years provided special love and care for their youngest, Sara and Jim lovingly brought up their family to know and appreciate the beauty of life through blessings from our God in heaven.
Sara is survived by her children: Margaret Anne (Reg Booth), New Glasgow; Jamie (Sally Cunningham), East River St. Mary's; Mary (Eldon Schofield), White Rock; Barbara (Jim Dobrowolski), Lower Sackville; Heather, New Glasgow and Holly, New Glasgow. She leaves behind four grandchildren: Peter (MacDonald), Saint John, N.B.; Martha (Cameron MacLean), Montague, PEI; Jodi (Cunningham), Toronto; and Jonathan (Cunningham), Antigonish. Special in her life was the arrival of her great-granddaughter, Margaret Grace MacLean (Montague, PEI). Sara is also survived by a sister, Barbara (John Wood), Eden Lake, sisters-in-law, Daphne Cameron, Stellarton and Elsie Cameron, Calgary.
Sara was predeceased by her husband, Jim; daughter, Martha Grace, as well as her parents, a sister, Laura MacDonald, brothers, John D. Cameron, J. Campbell Cameron, foster brother, Roy MacDonald, half-sisters, Mabel Willis, Hattie Koepke, and half-brother, Joe Cameron.
So much appreciation goes to the staff of Valley View Villa where Sara was cared for almost 10 years. In our hearts, you will always be angels for your special touch to her day - each of you individually. Thank you for caring for our Mom.
Visitation will be held from H.W. Angus Funeral Home on Monday, December 13, 2010, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 14, at 2:00 p.m. from Zion Presbyterian Church, East River St. Mary's with Pat Wilson officiating. Burial in the East River St. Mary's Cemetery.
Throughout their lives, Sara and Jim supported many worthy causes. Their favorites included the Canadian Bible Society, Food Bank, Valley View Villa, East River St. Mary's Cemetery or a charity of your choice.
Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Corinthians 15: 57
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