Marian Aileene Cunningham, 89, of Butler, Pennsylvania, passed away on January 21, 2019 at the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
She was born December 10, 1929 in New Castle, Pennsylvania to the late John R Ellison and the late Grace Lentz Ellison.
She was a 1948 graduate of Butler High School. Marian was on the Election Board for 55 years. She was the President of the Center Twp PTA and the President of Unionville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Marian was a Deacon at St. Andrews United Presbyterian Church for over 25 years and was a Sunday School Teacher. She was a Cub Scout Mother. Marian enjoyed bridge and cards. The first time she went to Conneaut Lake was in 1954 and from then on considered it her second home. Marian liked to go to Florida in the winter. She was a NASCAR fan and loved camping in the motor home. Marian loved traveling and going on cruises to Alaska, St. Lawrence Seaway, Panama Canal, Hawaii, and many more. She enjoyed spending time with her family and cheering on the Steelers and Penguins. Marian loved watching The Price is Right, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. She loved all sporting events and attending grandchildren’s football and baseball events. She was a proud Grandma!
Marian is survived by her one son, DuWayne (Linda) Cunningham of Butler, PA; two daughters, Peggy (Paul) Shanor of Butler, PA, Heather (Brian) Fleeger of Butler, PA; six grandchildren, DeLynn Cunningham, Cathy (Jared) Vance, Brent (Pam Bunz) Cunningham, Paula (Greg) Zdilla, David Fleeger and Brandon Fleeger ; five great-grandchildren, Abigail Vance, Addison Vance, Ashlyn Vance, Logan Zdilla, Landon Zdilla; one brother, Raymond Ellison of Seminole, FL; and one sister-in-law, Shirley Perschke. My girlfriend of 75 years Veva McConnell, in 1939 met at a one room school – St Clair at the corner of Mercer and Duffy Road. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Cunningham, who she married on April 3, 1948 and who passed away on August 1, 1999, one infant daughter, Cathy Grace, one sister, Ina Mae Herold, and two brothers, Edwin and Wilbur Ellison.
Friends will be received Wednesday, January 23, 2019, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Thompson – Miller Funeral Home, Inc., 124 East North Street Butler, PA.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 24, 2019, 10:00 am at the Thompson-Miller Funeral Home Inc., 124 East North St. Butler, PA, with Pastor Merry H. Meloy of St. Andrews United Presbyterian Church, officiating.
Burial will take place in the Rose Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saint Andrews United Presbyterian Church, 201 E. Jefferson St., Butler, PA 16001 or Meals on Wheels of Butler, 218 E. Jefferson St. Butler, PA 16001.