Patricia Ann Cunningham

1940 - 2021

Patricia Ann (Woods) Cunningham

Ormond Beach, FL - Patricia Ann (Woods) Cunningham, 80, of Vernon, CT and Ormond Beach, FL, died on February 9, 2021. Her final days were spent surrounded by her loving family.

Pat was born on Oct. 5, 1940, in Rockville, CT to Harold Woods and Barbara (Pomeroy) Woods, and lived most of her life in Manchester, CT.

She attended Manchester High where, as a 16 year old junior, she met the love of her life and future husband, Terry Cunningham. She graduated in 1958. She continued her education at the University of Connecticut, where she earned her Bachelors of Science degree in nursing in 1962.

In 1963, she and Terry were married at St. James Church in Manchester. They celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary this past August. Together, they raised two daughters in Hebron and then Manchester, CT. She was very proud of her beloved daughters, Pam and Colleen, her son-in-law Peter and grandson Christopher, and loved sharing their accomplishments with anyone who would listen. She and Terry later retired and bought a winter home in Ormond Beach. She enjoyed the sunny weather and their life at Plantation Bay.

Pat worked briefly as a registered nurse before finding her true passion: the jewelry business. She was a natural at sales and rose to become a top producer and area manager for both Sarah Coventry and Lia Sophia companies before retiring in 2015 after over 50 years in the business. She loved everything about the work, from the jewelry and the bling to the parties and fabulous trips. But she was happiest to be able to offer others opportunities and to befriend thousands of people over the years. Pat was strong, smart and determined. Surpassing individual and group goals gave her great satisfaction in her work life.

She was also a very talented artist, and her watercolors were always popular at the community shows and sales that she participated in. She loved making Christmas crafts, too. She relished in the tradition of making detailed artwork, ornaments and Christmas gifts for friends and family throughout the years. Her love language was gift giving, as many of us can attest.

She was an avid golfer and a member of the Manchester Country Club and Plantation Bay Country Club in Ormond Beach, where she made many wonderful friends through golf. She joined in every social activity or game available and even organized a few, like bocce, marbles and mahjong.

Pat was a social butterfly and the life of the party. She was a true professional party planner before it became an actual title. She held Christmas Balls, Hawaiian Luaus, costume parties and every holiday party possible. She was known for her delicious appetizers and finger foods, decor and creative themes at every party. She had a large circle of friends and loved to go to dances, out to dinner and join others for happy hour at the club.

While at home, she and Terry often watched sports, and UConn basketball was at the top of the list. She remained a faithful Husky fan for 60 years. Additionally, she was an avid reader, tackled many puzzles and watched her share of action movies.

Pat loved traveling the world with her husband, family and business friends. Her favorite cruise was to the Mediterranean with Terry and friends, as well as several New Year's Eve cruises with family. It's easy to see that she loved life and lived it to the fullest. For this and so much more, we are most grateful to be able to call her Wife, Mother, Grandmother and friend.

Pat is survived by her husband, Terry Cunningham; her daughter, Pam Cunningham of Boothbay, ME; daughter, son-in-law, and grandson Colleen Cunningham, Peter Genovesi and Christopher Genovesi of Deltona, FL; honorary grandson Andrew Vargas of Cherry Creek, Colorado; her brother-and sister-in-law and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends.

Due to the pandemic there will be no calling hours. A memorial celebration of life will be held at a later date. The John F. Tierney Funeral Home, Manchester, CT has care of the arrangements. Memorial donations may be made in Pat's name to Love Missions, PO Box 1053, Sanford, FL 32772. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.