Jill Storey Cunningham

Born: August 11, 1922

Jill Cunningham of Sea Island, GA passed away peacefully at her home on Sea Island on March 6, surrounded by family and friends at the age of 93.

Jill was a loving mother, a dear friend to many, and a most kind, thoughtful and engaging person. She was truly beloved.

Born and raised in Cairns, Queensland, Australia, during World War II she was in Brisbane, where she worked with the USO to aid stationed allied troops. There, she met Lt. John “Jack” Cunningham, a submariner. In between Jack’s patrols, he staged a highly successful courtship, and the pair became engaged.

At age 21, Jill agreed to travel alone to Boston, by ship and rail, and move in with Jack’s parents while he remained on duty, and upon his return they were married.

She had many interests and passions, including tennis, gardening, salmon fishing, sailing, and reading. Jill’s favorite pursuit, however, was her abundant love and deep caring for her family, including her many pets. Her devoted husband Jack often called her “the world’s greatest wife and mother”.

The family was raised in Whitinsville, MA, and then Southborough, MA. After Jack’s passing in the early 1980’s, she moved to Sea Island, where she developed many treasured friendships, while continuing to spend her summers in the coastal town of Marion, MA.

Jill was predeceased by her loving husband, John H. Cunningham Jr. Her surviving legacy includes her devoted sons, John of Boston, MA, Robert and his wife Vickie of Aiken, SC, and Christopher and his wife C.C. of Rochester, MA. Her admiring grandchildren are John’s son, John and his wife Carisa, Christopher’s children, Christopher, Willie and Allie, and Robert and Vickie’s son Reed Harwood and his wife Jill who are parents to Jill’s great-grandson, Jaxson Harwood. Jill also leaves many nieces and nephews in the U.S. and Australia.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Church, 6329 Frederica Road, Saint Simons Island, on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at 11:00 AM, with a reception to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to: Christ Church - 6329 Frederica Road, Saint Simons, GA 31522, or to an animal shelter or rescue league of choice.

Arrangements are entrusted into the care of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home www.edomillerandsons.com