Mary K Cunningham, age 72, passed away Thursday November 24, 2022 at Lutheran Homes, a senior living campus in Muscatine Iowa. Visitation will be held Wednesday November 30th from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm at Pape Funeral Home in Clinton Iowa, with funeral services at 2pm.
Mary was born March 11, 1950, in Fort Madison, Iowa and was adopted by Robert and Grace Pape of Lyons, Iowa shortly after birth. She was the eldest of 3 children. She married Ronald L Cunningham of Green City, Missouri on December 19, 1970. Mary and Ron had three children whom fondly remember their childhood, neighbors, and friends on Devitt Avenue.
Mary attended Our Lady of Angels Academy and graduated from Saint Mary’s High School in Clinton, Iowa before attending Moline Public School of Nursing in the late 60s and early 70s. Following her graduation from Moline Public School of Nursing, Mary dedicated 40+ years to saving lives, building lasting friendships and giving exceptional care and comfort to those she encountered in her nursing career. She was a devoted member of the Sycamore Baptist church in Muscatine. Mary was a ferocious fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs, and Green Bay Packers. She vigorously supported her sons in their sporting endeavors, and often recalled that spending time at Kent Stein ballpark in the 1990s was one of her fondest memories.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Grace Pape.. She is survived by her 3 sons, Derek Cunningham of La Plata Missouri, Justin Cunningham of Wilton Iowa, and Brett (wife Adriane) Cunningham of Tiffin Iowa, 8 grandchildren, Kayla Bean, Lucas, and Ally Cunningham, Haden, Logan, and Mason Cunningham, Alex, and Brady Cunningham, 2 great-grandchildren, her brothers Brian (Julie) Pape of Clinton Iowa, Jim (Peggy) Pape of Buckeye Arizona. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.
To Justin and Brett and Derek. My condolences are with you at this time. Your mom was the greatest person and the greatest nurse. I had the privilege of working with your mom at Premier Estate in Muscatine. Mary will be missed by all. Rest in peace Mary. I will miss you
I am so sorry Brian. I have only seen Mary once, since childhood, at your Dad’s visitation. We went to OLA together and she was so sweet and always smiling. My deepest condolences to you and your family!