Wilma P. Cunningham

Wilma was born December 15, 1929 in Wyckoff, NJ to Ruth and Hershel Loss. Her family lived in that area until they moved to Sparta in the summer of 1944, where she attended and graduated from Newton High School in 1948.

She married Lawrence Pasake in 1954 and his untimely tragic demise in May of 1956 left her to raise their twin children, Naomi and David. They continued to live in the family home, the Lakeview House on Glen Road, then moved into the Lake Mohawk section of Sparta, where Wilma raised her children to adulthood, enjoying the amenities of the lake community, and the opportunities therein.

She eventually ended up living in the Wyckoff area, once again, after marrying Thomas Cunningham in 1993, the love of her life, who shared the same passion for world travel. They traveled to many places, including Ireland, The Great Wall of China, Alaska, and Hawaii. His passing in 2006, left her with a void that she filled through a devoted church life and a deep attachment to the Wyckoff YMCA.

Wilma was a faithful and ardent supporter of the Sussex County Farm and Horse show, first in the Branchville location and then to its current location in Augusta, spending her summer vacations each year in the box seats, where she developed some deep friendships over many years, especially with the Back Row Gang.

She was employed at Picatinny Arsenal for the duration of her career, continuing to climb the rungs from one role to another. After graduating from Ramapo College in 1981, she continued at Picatinny, dedicating her efforts to developing programs and practices for hiring handicapped and disabled individuals until her retirement in 1998. This was an endeavor that she was extremely proud of, as she sought to open doors and positions to people capable regardless of physical ability.

Her precious gift to many was her sewing. She created prom dresses, wedding dresses and gowns for many, probably due to the influences of her mother Ruth, who was a gifted seamstress. She was instrumental in costuming many performing groups, including Evelyn Savage’s School of Dance during the 1960’s, Cornerstone Playhouse, and various other local groups. Her biggest contribution was to the Wyckoff YMCA’s Community Theater, where she costumed their musical and opera productions for many years, until she could no longer continue her craft. She was also a frequent performer, and was exceptionally proud of her parts in these productions. Sadly, this is her last curtain call!

Wilma is survived by her twin children, Naomi (husband Joe Lepes), David (Sue Predl); five grandchildren: Colleen Lepes, Joe Lepes Jr., Larry Lepes, Brooke Pasake Nosal, and Grant Pasake; and three great grandchildren: Noah, Chris, and Maura.

Visitation for Wilma will be held Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 3:00PM - 7:00PM at Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main Street, Sparta, NJ 07871. Funeral service will occur Wednesday, January 15th at 11:30AM at the funeral home. Interment will immediately follow with a graveside service at Sparta Presbyterian Methodist Cemetery, 32 Main St, Sparta, NJ 07871.

Donations can be made to your choice of animal shelters or to the Wyckoff YMCA.