Obituary of Donalda Myrtle Jean Cunningham

Donalda “Donnie” Myrtle Jean Cunningham passed away, gently in her sleep on April 12, 2026, at WRHN Chicopee at the age of 94.

She is survived by children Barbara Julian (Kirby), David Cunningham (Pam Shepherd), Nancy Ouellette (Denis) and Bob Cunningham (Cindy), grandchildren Marielle Burton, Alanna Julian, Todd Julian, Luc, Matthieu and André Ouellette, Kyler, Ashton and Noah Cunningham and ten great grandchildren.

Donnie was born in Listowel, Ontario, on June 23, 1931, to Marguerite Irene (Oliver) and Wilbert Karges. She took pediatric nurses training at Thistletown Sick Children’s Hospital, where she graduated as class president. This early training informed her working life, much of it at The Etobicoke Medical Centre where she handled reception for many years. Donnie was a helper in all ways, including, quietly and humbly, looking after refugees from many countries and taking in teens, needing a safe place to stay.

In 1950, Donnie recalls going to a dance with her fellow nurses and meeting a tall, lanky young man who was a pretty good dancer. That young man was Ken Cunningham and in 1952 they married. Together, they raised Barbara, David, Nancy and Bob. Grammy and Great Grammy, she always had so much love to share. She is predeceased by both her husband Ken and brother Oliver Karges.

Donnie‘s interest in other cultures also expressed itself in a joy of travel. One of her life‘s highlights was travelling around Europe with Ken and some dear friends. There were also many family camping trips near and far and so many stories to share.

The cornerstone of Donnie‘s life was her strong faith. This was the basis for all of her actions and decisions as a choir member, church floral designer, Explorer leader and committee member, but especially as a wife, mother and friend. She was a welcoming presence who will be missed by so many, including her Fergus Place family where she never failed to seek ways to make life better for those around her.

Donnie was a friend to everyone who met her. She lit up a room, either with a boisterous laugh or just a calm, enveloping glow. Her life could be summed up by this verse: Seek justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God.

Special thanks to the Palliative Care team at WRHN for their gentle care.

Visitation will take place at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral service to take place at Calvary Memorial United Church, 91 Gruhn St., Kitchener, on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Tim Graham officiating. Reception to follow in the Church Hall. Cremation to take place following the funeral service. Private family interment to take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family or donations to Reception House Waterloo, Calvary Memorial U.C., Heart and Stroke, Canadian Cancer Society, Food Bank of Waterloo Region may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.