Phyllis D. Cunningham, 102, formerly of Canton

CANTON -- Phyllis D. Cunningham, 102, formerly of Canton died on Tuesday, April 10, 2024, at the Massena Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Massena where she was in the company of family.

Phyllis was born December 1, 1921, in Canton, a daughter of the late Rex and Eva Belle (Stevenson) Dunkelberg.

She was a graduate of Canton Central High School where she was a member of the band.

Phyllis married John W. Cunningham on June 20, 1942 at St. Mary’s Church with Rev. Hannah, officiating. John predeceased her on in 2006.

Phyllis worked at JJ Newberry’s in Canton, she was a playground monitor at the Banford Elementary School and did in home child care. Her children kept her busy as they were all active in sports and music.

Phyllis loved flowers of all kinds and varieties and everyone loved her cookies and homemade donuts.

She is survived by her sons, Ronald (Dorothy) Cunningham, Alan Cunningham, David Cunningham, daughter Barbara Cunningham Hauser; grandchildren Stacey (Joan) Cunningham, Keith (Stephanie) Cunningham, Cheryl Cunningham, Caroline (Scott) Eller, Mathew Hauser, Christine (Tim) Mason, Kate Hauser-Smith, David (Crystal) Hauser and Daniel Baldwin-Cunningham. Also surviving are 18 great-grandchildren, two great-great granddaughters and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her beloved John, and parents Rex and Eva Belle, she was predeceased by two sons, John and Robert Cunningham and a brother, Earl Dunkelberg.

Phyllis was a competent 50s wife and mother to 6 children & many others in the Canton Community. She excelled at home making & was a frequent fan at her 5 sons countless hockey games. Her daughter inherited her love of children , flowers & music from her mother.

Although Phyllis was always the quiet servant to her large extended family, in her last years at the nursing home, she blossomed into an extrovert & was loved by all who served her.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Massena Rehabilitation and Nursing Center Activities Fund, c/o Lori Perry, Activity Director, 89 Grove Street, Massena, New York 13662

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 15, 2024, at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Church, Canton with Father Bryan Stitt, Pastor, celebrating.

Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com.

Arrangements for Phyllis D. Cunningham are under the care of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton.