Gertrude Eugenia Heal Cunningham, 90, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of June 8 in Damariscotta. Born on Jan. 26, 1925 at her grandparents’ house in Camden, she was the oldest daughter, and second child of 10, to Evelyn Horton and Arthur T. Heal.
She grew up on Heal’s Corner where she attended the Knowlton Street School and then graduated from Camden High School in the class of 1943. In earlier days, Gertie worked for the Nash family on their dairy farm, as well as the farm stand at Heal’s Corner. After graduation, she was employed for eight years by Heald’s Service Auto and Electrical Supply, which was not only a service station but also a radio and television showroom. She then worked for Talbot & Stevenson’s Insurance Agency for 16 years, doing secretarial work until 1967. Later, she worked for Povich’s Men’s Store in Damariscotta and Wiscasset, as well as bookkeeping for Paul’s Flooring.
A woman of great faith, Gertie was very active in church groups, and served the community in many capacities. She was baptized at the Chestnut Street Baptist Church in Camden, where she was a deaconess, involved in the choir, and was a member of many women’s groups.
She married Francis S. Cunningham on June 24, 1967, and had been a communicant of the Damariscotta Baptist Church since then. While at the Damariscotta Baptist Church, she was a deaconess for 13 years, involved in Women’s Mission Circle, the Women’s Fellowship Group, as well as many Bible study groups.
She was a longtime member of the Knox-Lincoln County Women’s Extension, served as a ballot clerk for a number of years in Newcastle, and volunteered for the Ecumenical Food Pantry. Most recently, she was a member of “Miles of Friends” at Great Salt Bay School, where she was a surrogate grandma to a second grader each year from 2006 to 2013. She also loved going out to eat whenever she could.
Upon her marriage to Francis, Gertie became the mother of his young daughter, whom she raised as her own with love and affection. A devoted grandmother, she always enjoyed caring for her grandchildren at home and attending their many activities. She also enjoyed traveling with her friends, and with her husband to different job locations.
Gertrude was predeceased by her parents, Evelyn and Arthur Heal; husband, Francis S. Cunningham; brothers, Arthur “Chick”, Elmer, Horace, Carl and wife Arlene, John, and Orman and wife Mary Ellen Heal; as well as sisters, Catherine Heal and Margaret “Peggy” and husband Howard Holbrook.
She is survived by step-daughter, Betty A.C. Fitzpatrick and husband Kevin; step-sons, James D. Cunningham and wife Cheryl, and Stanton F. Cunningham; step-grandchildren, Troy Cunningham, Tammy Campbell, Thomas, Francis “Hank,” and Elaine Fitzpatrick; brother, Robert Heal and wife Lucille; sisters-in-law, Betty Heal and Virginia Cunningham; special cousin, Frances Meservey; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m., Mon., June 15 at the Damariscotta Baptist Church. Upon her request, a private burial will take place in Camden.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Damariscotta Baptist Church, PO Box 248, Damariscotta, ME 04543.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.