Sheila Katherine Cunningham

(nee Shivens)

June 12, 2014, beloved wife of Col. Patrick J.; mother of Colleen (Scott) Burns, Michael (Pamela), Sean (Michelle), Patrick (Christina) and Kathleen (Robert) Kappel; also survived by 13 grandchildren; sister of the late William Shivens; sister-in-law of Dolores Shivens, Eileen (Ron) Korn and Most Rev. Robert J. Cunningham. Friends may call Tuesday 7-9 PM and Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the DENGLER, ROBERTS, PERNA FUNERAL HOME, 8630 Transit Rd., East Amherst (one mile north of Maple Rd., just past Klein Rd.). Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial from St. Pius X R.C. Church 1700 North French Road, Getzville, New York. Thursday at 10 AM. (Please assemble at church) In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Ladies of Charity at St. Pius X R.C. Church or The Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park. www.denglerrobertspernafuneral. Arrangements under the direction of Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home, East Amherst, NY.

Sheila Katherine Shivens Cunningham was born on February 26th, 1939, to Joseph and Helen Shivens in Buffalo, NY and died on June 12, 2014.

Sheila graduated from Sisters Hospital School of Nursing in 1959. In the 55 years since graduating, she put those nursing skills to use almost daily and also found the time to have successful careers as a cook, seamstress, teacher, cleaner, coach, chauffer, gardener, and barber.

Anyone that knew Sheila knows a few things about her: 1) She liked people. She was an engaged wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend to many more people than those to whom she was related. 2) She managed to see the humor in most situations, always able to channel her "inner Lucille Ball." 3) She enjoyed swimming and sharing her own pool with everyone, and 4) She LOVED vacationing at the Outer banks of North Carolina almost as much as she enjoyed planning the vacations to (and meals for) the Outer Banks.

Sheila was the epitome of the military wife serving her Country alongside her husband Pat for 30 years. She was a close confidant to widows, widowers, and others facing challenges throughout the country. Over the years, Sheila was also active in every Parish to which the family belonged most recently involved in the Ladies of Charity at St. Pius X.

Each of us comes into this world with a special mission. Some are here to teach, others to learn, and others to fulfill themselves in some profession. Sheila's mission was one of the most sacred of being a mother. Those who knew her may have memories of the stories she told about her children and grandchildren or the picture of her being surrounded by children (hers or her neighbors') always serving with maternal devotion. By her words and example, she instilled the values of service to God and Country to her children and grandchildren.

People move on. Their works remain. Sheila dedicated her life to the service of her family and she deposited in each child and grandchild the best of herself, the gift of her example, the legacy of service and integrity.

In their marriage and family, Pat made the living and Sheila made the life worth living.

She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Patrick; 5 of her favorite children and their spouses, Colleen (Scott), Michael (Pam), Sean (Michelle), Patrick (Christina), and Kathleen (Rob); 13 of the most amazing grandchildren, Drew, Scout, Torie, Eric, Kyle, Ryan, Reilly, Tim, Matthew, Sam, Alex, Molly, and Parker; her sisters-in-law Dolores Shivens, and Eileen (Ron) Korn and her brother-in-law The Most Reverend Robert J. Cunningham, Bishop of Syracuse; many nieces, nephews, and incredibly loving neighbors and friends.

Perhaps the miracle we received wasn't the one for which we thought we were praying. Perhaps the miracle is that one "ordinary" woman, for one brief moment in time, brought together men and women of many faiths -- Catholics, Jews, Protestant, men and women of many backgrounds -- from children she loved from the moment they were born to a professional baseball team who never met her, united us in prayer, and reminded us that one solitary life, well-lived can change the world for generations.

In the end, despite everything else, the medical staff said, "Her heart is good." That comes as a surprise to none of us. She will be missed.

Well done good and faithful servant.