Sarah Cunningham

Peacefully and surrounded by family, our beloved mother and grandmother Sarah passed away at her home in Victoria, B.C. at the age of 99. She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Roy (Robert Ferguson Cunningham) on April 1, 2008. Survived by her son, Shaun; daughter Rosemary Emmott (Brian) and their children Anthony, Brendon and Angeline; daughter Colleen Kent and her children with Rob Kent, Sarah and Graeme; daughter Maureen Silva and her daughter with Joseph Silva, Elizabeth; plus many nieces and nephews in Northern Ireland and eastern Canada.

Sarah lived a full and rewarding life dedicated to helping others. Her journey began in the farmlands of County Antrim, Northern Ireland, but soon took her further afield in the 1950s with 10 years of missionary service in the Belgian Congo alongside her husband Roy. The next fork on the road drew the family to Canada in 1962, starting in Quebec, then a bit west to Ontario, and lastly to the West Coast on Vancouver Island. Upon her arrival to Canada, Sarah was a tireless member and volunteer at the many Presbyterian Church Congregations where husband Roy ministered. Her love for Music saw her teaching piano lessons, and filling in as organist from time to time. In addition, her organizational talents led her to a Medical Office Reception position, and clerical Admissions work in the Emergency Wards at Hotel Dieu Hospital in Kingston and later at Victoria General Hospital (VGH) where she worked until her retirement. Sarah just could not remain away from the hospital scene however, and gave 15+ years of Volunteer service to the VGH Auxiliary to keep herself engaged.

To her family, extended family and friends, she will be fondly remembered for her gentleness, kindness and generosity. She travelled in her retirement years to Europe, Australia, USA and home to Northern Ireland to visit family and friends. Always eager to visit her grandchildren, she made numerous trips to Edmonton and Port Moody, and accompanied her children/grandchildren on various adventures (road trips, cruises, cottage stays, camping) to Florida, California, Hawaii and closer to home in British Columbia and Alberta. Her loving spirit and sunny disposition are forever in our hearts.

Our sincere Thank You to the Saanich Community Health Services and Victoria Hospice Society for their caring support team of nurses and healthcare workers who provided exceptional care and empathy during Sarah’s final weeks of palliative care.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life to be held on Saturday, April 30th , 2022, 12:00 pm at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 2964 Tillicum Road, Victoria, B.C.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Victoria Hospice Society