Obituaries
Rita Carlene Cunningham, 72
Rita Carlene (Higgins) Cunningham, 72, of Lancaster, was taken by the angels up to meet her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, October 18, 2012 at her home.
Born in Cumberland, MD, she was the wife of Gerald J. Cunningham of Lancaster, and the daughter of the late Floyd H. Higgins and Rita (Schneider) Higgins-Morris of Lancaster.
Carlene was a member of Pearl Street United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir for many years.
She was an auxiliary member of American Legion Post #34, Lancaster.
She was a member of the Hershey Antique Auto Club of America, Lancaster Red Rose Antique Car Club, and the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America, of which she was past director.
Carlene was also active in Guys and Dolls at St. Phillips the Apostle Catholic Church, the Lancaster Recreational Center, Greater Beneficial Union of Pittsburgh, Lancaster and Lampeter YMCA, and the Red Hatter’s Society.
She retired from Delmarva Millwork Corp after 17 years of service, retiring in 2004. Following her retirement, she worked part-time at College Corner Café, Lancaster.
In addition to her husband of eight years and her mother, she is survived by two daughters and their husbands: Jacquelyn and James Mathiot of Leola and Melissa and Kris Price of Ephrata; three stepchildren: Gerald Jr. of Florida, and Troy and Todd Cunningham of Lancaster; three grandchildren: Timothy Klopp of Lancaster, Justin Klopp of York, and Joshua Mathiot of Leola; two great-grandchildren: Kailey and James Klopp of Lancaster; five step-grandchildren; and one sister, Sonja Govey of Florida.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 AM Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA with Rev. Debbie Schreiber officiating. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service, from 9:30 to 11:30 at the funeral home. Burial will be private. In addition to flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 314 Good Dr., Lancaster, PA 17603. To place a condolence online, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100
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We wish the family of Carlene our deepest sympathy – we need her from her activities with the Keystone Region of the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America – she will be sorely missed by us here on earth.
Don and Elke Hassenbein
Palmyra, PA
Dear Gerry and family
I was in shock when I heard Carlene has passed. I thought she was doing so well. What a sweetheart! I enjoyed everytime I was in her company. Always so pleasant and fun. I know you have many wonderful memories of her. May they sustain you now and be eternal. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Love
Patti & Mike Stephens
Dear Gerry and Family,
We are very sorry for your loss of Carlene. She was a wonderful person and so very nice to Joyce and I. Please accept our deepest sympathy. You are all in our hearts and prayers. May fond memories of her and with God’s help, guide all of you through this difficult time. Carlene will be deeply missed by all who knew her. God Bless all of you.
Dianne Wolf
Joyce Gephart
We are so sorry to hear about Carlene. It was ALWAYS a pleasure to see her a Keystone VCCA events. She had an eternal smile, and made you feel good being near her. Knowing her was a pleasure. We share in your family’s loss.
Clark and Monica Pyewell
It has been such a shock to hear about the passing of Carlene. We enjoyed her visit with us, Aunt Rita and Big Dot in August. Thoughts and prayers for your family.
From Carlene’s cousins in Mt. Savage, MD – Jeanie, Dot, Sue, Tom, Polly, Sandy, Denny, and Judi
I also golfed with Carlene at Olde Hickory. It was always a fun night when I’d be paired up with Carlene–score never mattered–it was just great to be out enjoying time together. Carlene had a special "light" wherever she was.
I’m sorry for your family’s loss. Carlene is in my prayers today.
Mary Jo Plank
Dear Gerry and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know your wife personally, but she sounds like a very vibrant person. I will keep her (and you) in my prayers.
Fondly,
Barbara Devine Shultz (LCHS Class of ’61)
What a dear person Carlene was. We golfed together at Old Hickory and enjoyed our evenings on the "greens". This past summer we also spent time talking and walking when she was at her daughter’s place after surgery.
Please know that I am thinking of your family.
Mary Ann Strayer
Akron PA
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your Wife, Daughter, Mother and Grandmother. She will be deeply missed. God Bless and be with each of you.
Sincerely,
Helen Hasch PSUMC
DEAR JERRY AND FAMILY WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS I CAN’T BELIEVE IT HAPPENED WE JUST SAW CARLENE AT THE SHOW AT KICKS PLEASE KNOW THAT WE ARE PRAYING FOR ALL OF YOU TAKE CARE GOD & CARLENE ARE WATCHING OVER YOU LOVE LINDA & KEN ADAMS FROM SCHUYLKILL CO
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Carlene was a dear friend of my mother and step-father, Peg and John Miller. I enjoyed the times I got to chat with her when I came to visit and am so thankful for her friendship with my mom.
In sympathy,
Caroline Swartz
I was stunned and shocked this morning when I went to the College Corner Cafe and learned about Carlene’s death. I only knew her from my times of going there for coffee but she always started my day off with a smile and happy spirit. She even gave me homemade cookies to take on my commute to work one day. In the little bit that I knew her I saw how she brightened people’s lives including mine. She was one of my everyday angels and I am deeply saddened at the loss of her spirit each day. She carried out God’s work by her kindness to strangers like me.
Nancy Boyd
