MILFORD and BAYSIDE – Mrs. Ruth Cunningham, 89, passed on to be with the Lord Feb. 18, 2004. She was born May 7, 1914, in Pittsfield, the second of three daughters of Walter W. and Ann (Broderick) Keirstead. She attended elementary school in Groveton, N.H. and Old Town. After graduating from Old Town High School in 1932, she attended Farmington Normal School where she received her teacher certification. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree and completing graduate studies at Syracuse University and the University of Maine, she became a title one Individualized Reading Specialist. Her teaching career spanned 39 years, beginning in Milford and ending with the last 19 years in the Brewer School system. Ruth and Leland Almont Cunningham were married in 1938. She was predeceased by her husband, Leland Cunningham and also by her two sisters, Bernice Murch and Margaret Dolan. She is survived by her twins, Deane Cunningham and his wife, Betty, and Deanna Cunningham Wade and her husband, Larry; also surviving are four granddaughters, Mary Bailey, Carolyn Treadwell, Deborah Nickerson and Susan Aughey, as well as 11 great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for her love of education and reading by the many children she encountered in her years of working as an educator. She especially remembered and enjoyed the times when she assisted her own grandchildren with their reading skills. Ruth was a resident of Burr Elder Care home in Brewer for two years, and spent her final year as a resident of Westgate Manor in Bangor. In her later years, although increasingly debilitated by Alzheimer’s disease she remained relatively active. The Cunningham and Wade families wish to express their gratitude to the staff of the Burr Elder Care home and Westgate Manor for their kindness and for the outstanding care given to Mrs. Cunningham. Appreciation is also extended to the personnel of New Hope Hospice. In fulfillment of her wishes, there will be no visiting hours. A graveside service at Milford Cemetery will be announced in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 22 No. Michigan Ave., Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60601-7633 or at www.alz.org. Cremation arrange-ments by Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. www.dignitymemorial.com.
RUTH ELEANOR KEIRSTEAD CUNNINGHAM
