Ruth Gaquin Cunningham, formerly of West Newton and a resident of Needham for 60 years, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on July 11, 2022. She was 92.
Known as Ruthie to friends, she will be remembered for her love of music, movies, books, drama, family, New England, and storytelling.
Married to the late William Tarr Cunningham II for sixty years, they had three children: Lee Cunningham, Lindsay Cunningham, and Scott Cunningham. She treasured her roles as sister, aunt, mother-in-law, and especially as Noni to 6 grandchildren—Daniel, Brian, and Michael Witt; Beau Russell; and Niall and Delia Cunningham—3 great-grandchildren, and an extended family whom she adopted as her own.
After graduating from Katherine Gibbs and being a secretary for more than 20 years, she began studies at Boston College, graduating with a BA in English and a Masters in American Studies. She was a member of the BC Chorale for 10 years.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave., Needham, Friday July 15 from 4:00-7:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00pm on Saturday, July 16 at the Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, 28 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Burial will follow at the Needham Cemetery, 100 Nehoiden St., Needham.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Needham Public Library, 1139 Highland Ave., Needham, MA 02494, http://friendsneedhamlibrary.org/org/donate-form.php.