Marie Cunningham

Marie Cunningham, 88, a resident of North Fort Myers, FL for the past seven years, formerly of College Point, NY, passed away Monday, March 20, 2023 in North Fort Myers. She was born December 22, 1934 in College Point to Arthur and Emily Larsen, now deceased.

Marie was of the Christian faith. She met the love of her life, Charlie at a young age. They married quickly and started a family. Marie loved to fish, it was something she did as a young girl off the shore in College Point and later on in life when she and her husband joined Flushing Bay Yacht club. She loved the fight while trolling for bluefish at night. She also would gladly tag along with her sons-in-law on charters every chance she could get with or without any of her daughters. Marie was a great cook, although she would disagree with you if you told her that. She put love into all she did. She enjoyed being with her children and would spend weekends and visit often. She loved going on excursions to petting zoos, beach trips and was such a good sport, she played along to getting slimmed on one vacation to the kids delight. She loved being Nanny to her grandkids.

She worked as a CNA for 15 years after her youngest was old enough to be on his own. She would tell her husband countless stories about her patients and how she was emotionally attached to so many of them. She was a kind and generous person to all who knew her.  

When she and her husband moved to Florida, they enjoyed game nights with their children, shows, casino trips, and Sunday family dinners. She also loved to shop the consignment and thrift stores. Marie and Charlie renewed their vows at a 65th wedding anniversary party with many friends and family. The love shared that night will always be cherished memories.  Marie loved to play card games with her daughters every chance she could. She may have been a petite woman, but she was mighty and was a warrior. 

She fought hard, but in the end, she wanted to be with her love, Charlie. 

She is survived by her loving children, Susan Salvagio (Peter), Debra Paradiso (Eddie), Gail Ciecirski (Wayne), Dawn Brannigan (Patrick) all of Cape Coral, and Charlie  Cunningham, Jr. of Orofino, ID; eleven grandchildren; as well as fifteen great grandchildren.

Marie was preceded in death by husband, Charles (Charlie)  Edward Cunningham in April of 2022; granddaughter, Alyssa Brannigan; as well as sister, Helen Bowen.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Details to be announced via www.MullinsMemorial.com.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Marie Cunningham are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at https://www.stjude.org/.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.