Cecilia Cunningham

Cecilia (CiCi) Anne Cunningham passed away on December 10th, 2023 of natural causes in Brookfield, CT at the age of 83. She was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She lived in São Paulo until she was 9, and then her family moved to Tintillo, Puerto Rico. When she was 16, they relocated to Larchmont, NY.  Cici graduated from Mamaroneck High School and attended SUNY Oswego. She met and married Paul Cunningham of Mamaroneck, NY and they raised their 5 children in Larchmont, Chappaqua, and Somers, NY, and then moved to New Milford, CT. 

In her younger years, Cici loved to travel, and she and Paul travelled extensively. Some highlights were China, Australia, New Zealand, France, Turkey, Egypt, and the Olympics in Sarajevo, but her parents’ lake home in Waupaca, Wisconsin, where she spent Summers, and continued to visit for nearly 40 years, was a truly special place for her. 

Cici had eclectic taste, and an eye for design, which was evident in her colorful,  uniquely-decorated homes. She loved the theater, classical music, had a talent for writing, photography, floral arranging, and was an artist who produced beautiful oil and watercolor paintings. She was a lover of all animals … but especially dogs, and had a menagerie of at least 3 at any given time. Cici hosted many get-togethers and family events, and the parties were legendary. She was fun, and loved to laugh. She had a dry, sarcastic wit and an endless library of biting one-liners. 

A breast cancer survivor, Cici also endured many surgeries and chronic illnesses over the years. She was an incredibly strong woman, but dementia is a battle that no one can prepare for. She did her absolute best.

Cici will be missed by all who knew her. She was predeceased by her husband, Paul (2018), and many cherished friends and family members.  She is survived by her children and grandchildren - Bonnie Cunningham, Jo Anne Cunningham (Clare and Kevin Costello), Paul and Carolyn Cunningham (Brendan and Katie), Meg Cunningham, and Bill and Samantha Cunningham (Dillon), her brothers Thomas Penn (Joy) and Bert Penn (Kathy), as well as extended family that she adored, and special neighbors, who were family to her. 

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