Lorraine Cunningham

Our wonderful Lorraine Cunningham went to live in Heaven with Jesus on June 18th, 2011. Her earthly time of 79 years was spent loving her family and serving others. All who knew and worked with Lorraine felt her compassion and love for people and the community.

Lorraine was born March 9th, 1932 in Empire, CA to Louie and Lena Willson. She was a sister to Ernie, Marvin, Kenneth and Darlene. Lorraine's early years were spent going to Empire Grammar School and Modesto High, where she developed many life long friends. At Modesto High School she met Ghyraine "Ham" Cunningham and they married in 1950. Her three children are Kenn, Richard, and Cindy. Lorraine and Ham moved to Hughson in 1954, where they began farming almonds. She raised her children and joined the Hughson Methodist Church, where her community work and faith in God grew. Lorraine worked on many projects, such as the formation of the Gratton Pit BBQ and the Parent Resource Center. She served as church secretary for many years, was the bookkeeper for Cunningham Ranch, and served on various boards. In her later years she was a humble recipient of several awards for her service. At different times she was named a Citizen, Woman, and Volunteer of the Year by various organizations, and she most recently served as the board chair of the Hughson Family Resource Center. Lorraine's most cherished honor, however, was being a mother and grandmother to her family. She also loved playing tennis and caring for all of her animals.

Lorraine was predeceased by her parents Louie and Lena Willson, and brothers Kenneth (1929) and Ernie (1962). She is survived by her brother Marvin Willson of Hughson, sister Darlene (John) Wheeler of Brentwood, her sons Kenn (Jessica) and Richard (Bertie), and daughter Cindy (Mike) Gipp. She is also survived by grandchildren Sarah and great granddaughter Kaylie, Emily (Kyle) Lemings and expectant twins, Michael Cunningham and grandson Cooper Gipp.

Lorraine's family would like to sincerely thank all the people involved in her care over the past months. The kind doctors and nurses at Memorial Hospital, the caring people from Community Hospice, and the gentle people at Alexander Cohen Hospice in Hughson. All the love and kindness was truly appreciated by Lorraine and her family, and will never be forgotten.

A memorial service will be held for all of Lorraine's friends on Friday, July 1st, starting at 10am, at the Turlock Methodist Church (1660 Arbor Way - corner of Berkeley Avenue). In lieu of flowers people may donate to the Hughson Methodist Church (PO Box 129) or the Hughson Family Resource Center (PO Box 264).