Ruth (McKane) Cunningham, 100

Ruth Alice (McKane) Cunningham of North Adams passed away peacefully on Monday, September 2, 2024, at the age of 100.

Born in North Adams on April 23, 1924, Ruth was the youngest of six siblings to the late Louis McKane & Amelia (Caron) McKane. She attended schools in North Adams including Drury High School and graduated with the class of 1943. Ruth kept many close friends from her school years and always enjoyed staying in touch and planning luncheons with her classmates.

Ruth was employed by the New England Telephone Company and Green Mountain Race Track, both as a telephone operator. She later worked at Robert’s Company in North Adams. Though she was, first and foremost, a devoted homemaker. Her unwavering commitment to her family was evident in everything she did, from the way she lovingly raised her children to the joy she found in being a grandmother and great-grandmother. Family was the center of Ruth’s world. She was a constant presence in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She never missed a chance to support them, attending countless school functions and sporting events, always beaming with pride from the sidelines. Ruth was a woman of faith, an excellent cook, an avid reader, and an accomplished knitter and seamstress. She handcrafted beautiful garments, quilts, and other creations that will be cherished by her family for generations to come, serving as a reminder of her skill, creativity, and love. She was also a former communicant of St. Francis Church.

 She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 65 years, Edward Cunningham. They were married on April 14, 1945 in Brooklyn, NY. It was in Edward’s later years and upon his passing that found great fulfillment and purpose in volunteering her time with the elderly, in particular with Elder Services of Berkshire County and at the Williamstown Commons. She shared her compassion and kindness with many in this community.

Ruth leaves her son, James E. Cunningham (Bonnie) of Clarksburg, MA, daughter Gail Knotek of Oregon, two grandchildren, Katlyn Losier (Sean) of Waltham, MA and Lisa Lamb (Kevin) of North Adams. She also leaves 4 great grandchildren; Connor and Molly Losier, and Reece and Callie Lamb. Ruth was predeceased by her son-in-law James Knotek, brothers Carl, Paul & Lawrence McKane and sisters, Florence Chalifoux and Helen Brown.

A very special thank you to the staff at North Adams Commons for their amazing help and support with Ruth for her last year on earth. We would also like to thank the caregivers from Mountainview Home Care for their love and care of Mom, allowing her to stay in her home until the age of 99.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A graveside service to celebrate the life of Ruth Cunningham will be on Monday, September 9, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at Southview Cemetery, North Adams. Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Homes – CENTRAL CHAPEL 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247 is entrusted with arrangements. In Lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her memory to Elder Services of Berkshire County. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.