Obituary of Antoinette J. Cunningham

Antoinette (Netta) Cunningham (95) went to be with the Lord June 23, 2024, at Ligonier Gardens.  Born May 7, 1929, in Bolivar, PA number 5 of 10 children of the late Antonio (Tony) and Josephine (Marfisi) LaMantia.  Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 74 years, Gerald Cunningham, brothers Paul, Joe, Anthony, Vince, Philip, and John LaMantia, sister Mary Machak, and great-granddaughter Avery Hope McIntyre.

Survived by brother Dominick LaMantia of Bolivar and sister Josephine Graham of Santa Rosa, CA; children Andrea Bauer and husband Art, Beavercreek, OH; Rodney Cunningham and wife Janie, New Florence; Connie Pardee and husband Jim, New Florence; grandchildren Peter Bauer (Katie), Derrick Bauer (Gwen), Brittany McIntyre (Dan), Stephanie Shaftic, and Adam Pardee (Alana); great-grandchildren Logan, Piper, Sydney, Garrett, Jacob, Henrik, Ian, Amelia, and Lily.

Antoinette was a traditional homemaker and a loving mother. She was deeply committed to her husband, her children, and her extended family.  She worked hard to maintain a clean, well organized welcoming home.  She was a cook and a baker.  Her children and then grandchildren were often greeted with fresh baked cookies.  Stuffed steak and lasagna were a tradition at Holiday meals.  On Saturdays pies or a cake were baked.

Netta liked to be busy.  She learned to knit and created beautiful ceramic pieces. Netta volunteered at the Women’s Auxiliary for the Firehall, The New Florence Catholic Church Hall, and Lee Hospital.  Netta also had a competitive streak.  She bowled for many years with the Ligonier Women’s League including several tournament trips.  She learned to play golf and joined the Champion Lakes and Chestnut Ridge Women’s Golf Leagues.

Netta and Gerald were fond of traveling and made several trips across the US. They enjoyed golfing together and incorporated golf outings into their travels.  For many years they spent the winter months in Myrtle Beach where they joined a golf group and developed new friendships.  They both loved life, played cards, went to concerts, and attended family events.  Whenever possible they engaged with their grandchildren and great grandchildren.  They traveled to sporting events, birthdays, graduations, and weddings.

Netta was a strong woman who was determined to be independent and do things for herself. This was one of the many attributes she taught her children.  She leaves a legacy of a deep commitment to family, enduring love, and beautiful memories.

The family would like to extend our gratitude to the staff at Ligonier Gardens. Together the staff and the family were a team dependent on each other to provide care for a strong willed fiercely independent beautiful woman.

Netta wished to have a private burial service with the immediate family.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Westmoreland Veterans Affairs DAV Van Program, 2 N Main St, Greensburg, PA 15601.