Avice Cunningham, 88, went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, with her loving family at her side. She was born September 5, 1935, in Mt. Chase, Maine, the youngest daughter of Fred and Ida (Noyes) Finson.

Avice grew up in Patten and graduated from Patten Academy. She married the love of her life, Wayne Cunningham, and they shared life together for nearly 64 years. They built a loving family with their three sons and one daughter. In the 1970’s, Wayne and Avice made a life-changing decision to move to Southern Maine to attend FST Bible College. After they both graduated with ministerial theology degrees, they went on to pastor churches in Maine, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Canada, making many lifelong friends along the way. Avice was an accomplished church pianist, anointed Bible teacher, and brought peace, comfort and hope to many in need. She leaves a lasting legacy of steadfast faith in God and loving devotion to her family. Mom’s fervent heartfelt prayers will be greatly missed by her family. She could pray like no one else!

In their later years, Wayne and Avice retired to Florida, enjoying the warmer climate and sunny beaches. They loved visits from their children and grandchildren, and spoiled them all with special meals, playing Dominoes and SkipBo, days of swimming and walking the sandy beaches of Cocoa Beach, Sea World, Disney, arcades, miniature golf, and of course Dairy Queen. Grandma and Grandpa were deeply connected with their children and grandchildren and loved every minute the family could be together.

In addition to her parents, Avice was predeceased by her husband, Wayne; sisters and brother-in-laws, Virginia (Bob) Brownlee, and Geneva (Clive) Hatt, and Robert Pelkey; and beautiful daughter-in-law, Marcy Whipple.

Avice is survived by her sister, Clara Pelkey, of Manchester, Connecticut.

She is also survived by her four children, Kim (Sheila) Cunningham of Presque Isle, Maine; Kirk (Sondra) Cunningham of New York; Carmen (Don) Hashem, Rockingham, Vermont; and Kirby Cunningham of Titusville, Florida; as well as her grandchildren, Eric Cunningham, Jason (Brittney) Cunningham, David (Sydney) Cunningham, Jonathan (Shannon) Cunningham, Rachael (Brett) Axsom, Kami (Jason) Ekstrom, Kristi (Thailand) Farren, Kyle (Keyleigh) Cunningham and Kerri Cunningham; as well as 22 precious great-grandchildren, Ayden, Kyan, Phineas, Atticus, Winston, Grace, Jude, Jasper, Andrew, Autumn, Elena, Addison, Alleena, Arianna, Griffin, Avalynn, Allania, Grace, Emmett, Mya, Ari and Reign; and many special nieces and nephews.

Our family wishes to express our appreciation to the entire staff of Elmwood Center in Claremont, New Hampshire for their excellent care of our mom during her stay. We are forever grateful. A private family memorial service will be held in Keene, New Hampshire, in the near future.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.