Gladys Cunningham

Gladys Marie Cunningham, 95, formerly of Brainerd, passed away Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 2:00 PM, Saturday, December 11, 2010 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd with Father Tony Wroblewski officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior to services. Interment will follow at Pine Ridge Cemetery in Pine River.

Gladys was born October 26, 1915 in Milbank, SD, the daughter of Elias and Julia (Lynch) Carey. Gladys will be missed by her sister, Marcella Koeplin, of Cottonwood, CA; several nieces and nephews; and many great nieces and nephews as well. She was preceded in death by her husband, James; parents; and her brothers, Edwin and Byrl.

Gladys was a gracious, caring aunt and sister with many long-time friendships. For most of her life she resided in the Pine River and Brainerd area. In 1935 after completing Teacher College Courses she began teaching in rural, one-room, country schools. Later, she worked for many years at a local banking institution in Brainerd before marrying James Cunningham on January 6, 1962. Throughout her life she took an active roll in her church communities. In 2006 as life no longer allowed her to live independently, Gladys moved to the Virginia Convalescent Center in Virginia, MN to be closer to her family. She was well received and always appreciative of her care. Her smile and friendly way will be missed by all.