"Dear Family and Friends, I am saddened to hear this, but we rejoice in her victory! Pat was my friend from deaf church. She was such a beautiful smile face. She touched our lives. Our prayers for comfort are with you and your family. Layna Lamarche, Spokane, WA "
In loving memory of
Patricia Jean Cunningham
January 31, 1955 - May 26, 2018
Patricia Jean Cunningham was born January 31, 1955 and went to be with her Lord and Savior May 26, 2018.
Patricia's life was one of determination, faith and love.
She had determination to live life inspite of her disabilities. A brain injury at birth left her with cerebral palsy and deafness. In spite of these disabilities, Patricia was determind to make something of her life. She graduated from high school at the Washington State School for the Deaf in Vancouver, WA. She went on to Galludet College in Washington D.C. where she earned her Bachlor of Science in Home Economics.
After returning to the northwest she had many different jobs. She recently retired from her job at the Mount Lake Terrace Library. She was a diligent worker who wanted to keep busy and earn her own way. She enjoyed her co-workers who were so good to her.
Patricia loved her family: sister Mary Ann and husband Zip, brother Bob and wife Corie, along with her nieces and nephews. She loved family get togethers. Patricia also loved her dear friends from the deaf school in Vancouver and other friends in the Lynnwood area.
Most of all, Patricia loved the Lord. During her high school years, she accepted Jesus at a Billy Graham Crusade in Portland, Oregon. One of the highlights of her life was traveling to the Philippines where she did sign language for the deaf at different church rallies.
Patricia loved to smile. It was this beautiful smile that allowed her the opportunity to be a model in a sign language illustration book. It was wonderful to see her demonstrating different signs for this publication.
Last, but not least, Patricia had faith in God. She had faith that all things work together for good for those who love Him. She knew she had a better place ahead. A place where there is no sorrow or tears, a place where she could talk, she could hear, and simple movements would not be so difficult. We love you Patricia and can't wait to be together again.
There are few words that can describe our gratitude to the people who helped us take care of Patricia in her final days. Thank you to each and everyone.
Here is a slideshow in remembrance of Patricia: https://youtu.be/Eds5utN0o2k
Tributes
"PATRICIA has been a blessing in my circle of friends. Her smile was contiguous and she has always inspired me by her example. May she walk in the Lillies of the garden in heaven. She is solely missed. Love you Patricia. ??"
"I knew Pat by seeing her every year during summer time when I visited my husband's family and mine here in WA. Now, we live here, I see her occasionally at special events. Pat was and is a joy to me. Her smiles, questionable facial expression, and lights lit up. She had some good hard questions regarding with her faith and she asked. After given some answers, she squealed with excitements and laughters and clapped her hands. Then we hugged together with joy and hopes. She had some good hard questions to make many people to think about. Then she gave them the answers with excitements. I love it. She's fun to talk with and be around with. I will see Pat later seeing her excitements, laughters and hugs. ??????"
"I really missed not seeing her ever since I moved to Florida for 9 1/2 years then moved back to Washington state in a different location. I have been known her at a WSD when she was older while I was in elementary school. Saw her again and become friend while we attended Bethany Deaf Church in Everett. Missed her beautiful smile. ILY Pat..."
"We love you Tricia and we are so grateful for the memories made together. Praising God you are healthy and well in heaven! "