Shirley J. Cunningham

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of Shirley Jean (Bergstedt) Cunningham, our dearly beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. At 93, she lived a long and full life and died peacefully at home surrounded by her eight children. She is predeceased by her loving husband, Dr. Paul Joseph (Joe) Cunningham (d. May 9, 1964) and survived by children, Paula Jean (Tom McCully), Patrick John (Mary Jo Runde), Pamela Jo, Peggy Jane (Laffey), Phyllis Joy (John Mulroy), Peter James (Pam Geppert), Patrice Jeannette (Eric Palmaer), and Priscilla Joan nee Pearly Jo (Daran Armstrong). Affectionately known as Grandma Oof, she is survived by 23 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Born in Detroit on July 31, 1926 to David and Irene Bergstedt, Shirley was a lifelong Michigan resident. She graduated from Melvindale High School in 1944 and received her Registered Nursing Degree from Mercy College of Nursing.
Shirley worked in several Detroit area hospitals before her marriage to Joe and raising a family. After his death she went back to work as a school nurse for the Plymouth Canton Schools for over 20 years and retired in 1986.
Grandma Oof was known by all for her big heart. During her retirement she loved to travel to visit family and friends and to be part of their lives and activities, including but not limited to attending school and sporting events, playing cards and giving motherly advice. An avid bridge player, she was also passionate about her hobbies such as, quilting, sewing, cooking, and reading cookbooks
An active member of the Plymouth Community, Shirley was a devout Catholic and very involved in Our Lady of Good Counsel. She headed the church’s Bereavement Committee for over two decades, brought Holy Communion to the home bound and managed “The Lord’s Laundry” until her death.
There will be a Visitation on Thursday December 19 from 3:00pm – 7:00pm with the Rosary at 7:00pm at Schrader – Howell Funeral Home, 280 S. Main St. Plymouth, MI 48170

The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday December 20 at 10:30am at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 47650 N. Territorial Rd., Plymouth followed with a luncheon at the church and internment at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Les Turner ALS Foundation at lesturnerALS.org.