Frances L. Cunningham, 82, formerly of Warren, PA, died on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at The Rouse Home in Youngsville, PA.
Born on September 16, 1938 in Cleveland, OH, the daughter of Ulmar and Frances Holland Fritz, St. Marys, PA. Growing up in St. Marys, PA, she was a graduate of St. Marys Catholic High School, Class of 1956, and then attended Grace Downs Airline School, New York, NY, completing her training in the spring of 1957.
On April 27, 1963, in St. Marys, PA, she married John T. Cunningham, who preceded her in death on December 8, 1970.
Fran was a longtime resident of Warren and had previously lived in Queens, NY, when she was employed by Eastern Airlines in New York City. In Warren, she had been employed with Penn Bank and the AAA. She was a member of Holy Redeemer R.C. Church, where she served as parish secretary for over 25 years.
Fran is survived by her two children – Gregory Cunningham and his wife, Bryna, of Broomfield, CO, and their children John, Molly, and Ryan; and Nicole Cunningham and her husband, Rob Piester, of Arlington, VA, and their children William and Charis Piester; her siblings Ann (Jerry) Wortman of Warren, PA, Bruce (Nancye) Fritz of Westport, CT, Laura (Ed) Hunkele of Elmira, NY, Gina Bacon of Fairview, PA, Col. Gregory (Arabella) Fritz of Haymarket, VA, Andrew (Lisa) Fritz of York, PA; and dozens of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Fran was preceded in death by her parents Ulmar and Frances, and her brother, Capt. David Fritz.
A private Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted for the family at Holy Redeemer R.C. Church, Warren, PA, with Fr. Stephen Schreiber, Pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the St. Marys Cemetery, St. Marys, PA.
A public celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Joseph/Holy Redeemer Soup Kitchen, Holy Redeemer Church Building Fund or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, 304 East St., Warren, PA. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.
My deepest condolences on the passing of Aunt Fran, she was an amazing lady. Rest In Peace Aunt Fran.
Fran “did” this and “did” that, but what she was really, really good at was brightening peoples’ lives. She enriched the lives of our family through church and Cursillo events, and just by her presence. Our children and hers were contemporaneous, and we used to share “my kids did this” anecdotes. Through those shone her deep love of her children. Her death is both a loss and a completion.
Our condolences Greg, Nicole, and families. Fran was a lovely lady and a wonderful friend. Always with such a great smile and laugh when I would see her. Our family treasures the recipes she shared back in our AAA days for Grandma Fritz’s chocolate cake and cornbread. We make them often and always think of Fran when we do. She will be missed. Prayers for all.
What a very special friend Fran was. I shall remember her often. She has now gone on to her much deserved Glory. My sympathy to the entire Fritz family.
So wish I could be with you all tomorrow to say goodbye to my beloved godmother and to give and get hugs and share wonderful stories about your sweet mom!! She and you all are in my thoughts, heart and prayers. I know my mom will be so happy to see her and welcome her into Heaven♥️♥️♥️Hugs to you all until your mom’s Celebration of Life which I am looking forward to.
Our family has so many fond memories of Fran during our early years on Terrace Street. She was the best neighbor a young family like ours could have. She encouraged us to use her large yard as though it were our own with many games of baseball catch, football toss and soccer kicks, and the kids and their friends playing all sorts of other games. She took in the playground sounds with a smile and laugh. What a wonderful woman and neighbor; thank you Fran!
We have many memories of Fran, her children and her family. She was a wonderful lady with always a smile. She will be greatly missed. Fly with the Angels Fran. God’s blessings, Judy & Mike Perrotti
I met Fran when we both were new to Warren and in Welcome Wagon Club. We both were officers and shared a room in a hotel to attend a conference. Over the years she was always friendly, recognizing me after all the years since the early 70’s.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family, knowing how much she will be missed