Joan Patricia Cunningham (Watson) of Naples, Florida and Wayland, Massachusetts died suddenly on February 21st surrounded by family. Loving mother of Lynn O’Connor and Janice Bartholomae of Wellesley, MA and Kara Hayden of Oakton, VA. She is also survived by her cherished sons-in-law Brian O’Connor and Eric Bartholomae. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Brendan, Patrick, Rory, and Carter O’Connor of Boston, Eric, Jr. and Sarah Bartholomae of New York, NY and Will, Conor, and James Hayden of Oakton, VA. She was preceded in death by her husband William Joseph Cunningham, Jr., her son William Joseph Cunningham III and her sister Janice Coppinger. She also leaves behind many loving cousins and her niece Hope Coppinger of Morristown, NJ.
Joan was born in Boston to Florence Lowney Watson and grew up in West Roxbury. She attended Girls Latin School and Holy Cross Academy. In 1957 she graduated from Cardinal Cushing College and married her high school sweetheart, devoting her life to her husband and raising her family. Always a lady, Joan was kind and gentle and above all elegant. A longtime member of Woodland Golf Club in Auburndale, MA and The Strand in Naples, FL she enjoyed playing golf and bridge and lunches with her many friends. She was equally happy relaxing at home with a good book, pouring over the NY Times book review, or enjoying the outdoors on long walks. Joan, a woman of faith, volunteered her time to her church, Catholic Charities, and the Meals on Wheels program. An avid traveler, Joan explored the world with Bill and their large circle of friends. Her greatest joy in life was gathering with her family for special events and holidays. She will be missed by all who loved her.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 30th at 12 noon at St. John the Evangelist Church, 9 Glen Road, Wellesley Hills. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Joan’s memory to The Home for Little Wanderers, 10 Guest Street, Boston, MA 02135.