Joan C. Cunningham

Joan C. Cunningham, 85, of Alexandria, VA, passed away on Friday, September 2, 2022 surrounded by her two daughters. She was born in Kingston, PA , the only child of the late Harry and Eva Stankevich Dersheimer. She first worked as a secretary in Washington, D.C., spent many years as a homemaker, and later worked in various positions as a retail clerk. Following retirement, she continued to live on her own with her two cats, and enjoyed time spent with family and friends. She also loved traveling and made numerous trips abroad. On March 11, 2022, after hernia repair surgery, she suffered a stroke which affected her left arm, left leg, and throat. She spent the last months of her life in a senior living center in Manassas, VA.

Joan is survived by her daughters, Theresa Godfrey, Woodbridge, VA; Brenda Smith (Douglas, Sr.), Luray, VA; grandson Douglas Smith, Jr. (Trenor), Raleigh, NC; grandson Jonathan Smith (Victoria), Woodstock, VA; granddaughter Amanda Godfrey Wheeler (Robby), Alexandria, VA; Wayne Andrew Runner, Lewes, DE; and great grandchildren Charlotte and Parker Smith (Douglas), and Jonathan, Jr. and Robby Smith (Jonathan). She is preceded in death by her son, Raymond Wayne Cunningham, Lewes, DE., and her former husband Raymond Lewis Cunningham (divorced after 25 years of marriage).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Rita’s Church, 3815 Russell Road, Alexandria, VA 22305 at 10:45 AM. The family will receive friends and guests for visitation at the Church from 10:15 to 10:40 just prior to the Mass. If attending for visitation, park in city lot adjacent to church. Those attending just the Mass, park in Church parking lot which will be open at 10:30. Following the Mass, burial will be at Mount Comfort Cemetery at 12:15 PM, 6600 S. Kings Highway, Alexandria, VA 22306.

Following the burial, the family invites all family and guests to a reception to celebrate Joan’s life. The reception will take place at Los Tios Mexican Restaurant at 2615 Mount Vernon, VA 22301. Food and beverage will be provided.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Joan’s honor to Noah’s Ark at http://www.noahsarkanimals.org or any animal rescue league of their choice. Condolences may be sent by visiting Joan’s obituary at www.demainefuneral