Mona Cunningham

Mona was born Mona T. Stewart on January 21, 1926 in Oklahoma. Being raised during the depression era she learned early on the importance of hard work. She graduated from Dickson High School in Wilson, OK with honors in the class of 1944, being the class Salutatorian. She was on the high school women's basketball team and enjoyed other sports as well. After high school she went to nursing school. She earned her LPN but never worked in the capacity stating "I could never give the shots'.

She and her family then moved to California, settling in a small valley town near Porterville. It was there that she met and married Abe Cunningham. They moved to the bay area to work in the paper mill. They had 2 children and moved to Antioch in 1957. Shortly after moving to Antioch her and her husband divorced, leaving Mona to raise her children alone. She was a smart and tough lady who stood up for her rights and those of her family. She never accepted charity, working at Crown Zellerbach paper mill for 35 years. She always found time for her children, putting others before herself.

After working hard for 35 years she was able to retire and pursue some of her interests. She was very talented in sewing, crocheting, and crafts. She moved back to Porterville to be near her brothers who were also retired. She became a volunteer at the local hospital and enjoyed helping others. She had a lot of friends and would do anything for them. She was a member of the Garden Club and Lunch Brunch. She was an active member of the Henderson Avenue Baptist Church in Porterville and enjoyed many Bible Studies, including The Purpose Driven Life.

Mona loved God, her family and friends and was well respected by all who knew her. In the last two years during her illness she never complained and stated she was ready to go home with God when he came to take her hand. She moved back to Antioch a year ago to be close to her daughter as her illness progressed so she could receive the care she needed.

She will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her.