Judith Michelle Cunniff

Jude was a lover of life, her family, the outdoors, good food and good music. She loved to cook and bake at home. She was blessed with an infectiously positive attitude and wonderful sense of humor. She loved her family to no end and often bragged on them. Growing up and having three younger brothers by the time she was 7, she was both lovingly protective of them and at times understandably annoyed by them. As they grew older, she was proud of all of them and their families.

Jude was an amazing softball player and overall athlete. She also loved to dance, taking part in a disco dance trio while she was in high school. Jude graduated from Anchor Bay High School in New Baltimore, Michigan in 1979. During her time in the Detroit area, she went to many a concert and she saw the top bands of the day, including Freddie Mercury and Queen. But her favorite was Bob Seger. You couldn’t live in the Detroit area and not love Bob Seger!

In 1981, when her stepdad and family transferred to Jacksonville, Florida, she stayed behind in Michigan. However, she eventually came to Jacksonville, driving her black Cadillac (without heat) down to Florida with her cousin, Jenny, riding shot gun.

Upon landing in Florida, she moved back in with her family. She took on various jobs, including working at Spencer’s in the Orange Park Mall.

On August 10, 1986, Jude became a Mom. On this day she gave birth to Daniel, her one and only child. Growing up, she taught Daniel how to play baseball and also taught him about that good music that she loved. Daniel also inherited his Mom’s sense of humor as it was hard not to.

After a rough patch in her life, Jude met the person who would change her life, become the love of her life and eventually her spouse, Nancy Thompson. Nancy was a guiding light for Jude, allowing Jude to pursue dietary school. It was this passion for cooking that led to opportunities as the Head Dietician in many of North Florida’s Healthcare facilities. She absolutely loved feeding the elderly, while she also enjoyed hearing their stories of their own lives.

In 2016, Jude was diagnosed with cancer. Her fight against this disease was valiant, strong and one of inspiration. She continued to work during this time and it was often said that her positive attitude and sense of humor is what led to her being able to fight it for 10 years.

In 2018, Jude posed for a picture with three other ladies and cancer survivors in the family; Nancy, her niece Frances and her sister in law, Sandi. The “Fantastic Four” were inspirations to many and loved by all.

During Nancy’s initial cancer diagnosis, Jude and Nancy got a dog for companionship and support and they named her Gypsy. Sadly, in 2021, Jude lost Nancy. While she always had the love and support of her family, Jude was always so thankful to have Gypsy with her in the house. It was also during this period when Jude would have her grandchildren stay at the house, one at a time, usually during school breaks and holidays. She took great pride in getting the spare bedroom ready for their stay. She would always cook their favorite meals and loved spending time with all of them. She called her house “Juju’s Bed and Breakfast”. The walls of her home were adorned with many, many pictures of her family.

Towards the end of her life, as Jude became more sick, Gypsy went to live with Jude’s niece, Miranda while Jude moved in with her younger brother, Thom. It was there where she peacefully passed on the morning of July 24, 2026 at the age of 65.

Jude is survived by her Dad, Thomas Cunniff, Sr (Judy); her son Daniel Cunniff (Nikki); her brothers Jonathan Cunniff (Connie), David Cunniff (Patricia) and Thomas Cunniff, Jr.; her stepson Rick; her daughter in law, Meranda; her grandchildren, Daniel, Keira, Chloe and Addy. She is also survived by her Aunts, Audrey and Elizabeth, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, family members and friends throughout the country. All will miss her dearly.

Jude was preceded in death by her spouse and love of her life, Nancy (2021). She was also preceded in death by her Mom, Alice (2008) along with her fellow “Fantastic Four” members Sandi (2023) and Frances (2020).

Jude will be laid to rest with Nancy at:

Holly Hill Funeral Home

3601 Old Jennings Road

Middleburg, Fl 32068

Friday, July 31,2026

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a graveside service at 11:00 a.m.

Dress is super casual, with Hawaiian or Flamingo shirts, a pair of shorts and flip flops highly recommended!!