CHERYL DAWNE CUNNINGTON

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CHERYL DAWNE CUNNINGTON

Peacefully with her family by her side, Cheryl Dawne Cunnington (nee McLeod), age 71, passed away at St. Boniface Hospital on April 14 2024.

Cheryl was predeceased by her parents, William (Bill) and Duneda McLeod, as well as her sister Heather Nichol and niece Merrill. Cheryl is survived by her husband of 49 years, Henley Cunnington; daughter Lindsey (Trevor) and son Ryan (Jasmine); by her grandchildren, Alexander, Madeline, Aurelia, Hudson, Jensen and Heath; as well as niece, cousins, extended family and in-laws.

Cheryl was born on August 1st, 1952 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She spent most of her childhood in Winnipeg where she made lifelong friends. She often spoke of taking her bike out in the morning and not coming home until dark. During her teens, Cheryl’s dad who worked for CP rail was transferred first to Moose Jaw and shortly after to Thunder Bay. In Thunder Bay, mom attended Churchill High School where she made many friends and many fond memories. During her grade 12 year, Cheryl’s father was transferred back to Winnipeg where Cheryl finished high school. Following graduation, Cheryl got a job at Investor’s Group. It was during this job that Cheryl met the love of her life Henley Cunnington. They were married on May 31, 1975. Cheryl decided to become a stay at home mom. She took an active role in her children’s lives and would often volunteer at her children’s schools in the library or for field trips. She would always be found on the sidelines of any sporting events cheering her children on.

After her children were done high school, Cheryl decided to go back to school and took a course to update her administrative assistant skills at Success Business School. She was employed at Contempora Steel for several years before moving to Bowrings where she worked until she retired.

Cheryl loved spending time at the family cabin at West Hawk Lake often spending many afternoons reading on the screened in porch enjoying the gentle breeze. When she wasn’t at the cabin one could find Cheryl in her garden talking to the bees and deciding where the next new plant was going to go. Later on, Cheryl enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, often finding joy in listening to their stories, playing games with them or simply enjoying whatever tv show that the grandchildren where interested in.

One thing that Cheryl was known for was her quick wit and sense of humour, which remained with her until the end. The house was often filled with laughter as she told a funny story or made a comment. It was her humour, which allowed her to face many of the challenges she faced during her life.

The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses and other medical personnel who were involved in Cheryl’s care. We would especially like to thank the staff at St Boniface ICU for their kindness during this time.

There will be a celebration of Cheryl’s life on Saturday May 4th. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Diabetes Canada or the Kidney Foundation of Manitoba.

Tributes: www.dignitymemorial.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 20, 2024, Apr 20, 2024