Patricia, Sorry for your loss. She was one of my fave teachers. I especially appreciated that she was cool with, and seemed to enjoy, my being a little weird in her classes and in my work in her English classes in Grade 13 and 14.
Part of what she modeled became integrated into my approach as a teacher.
Even though it was pre-computer editing suites, because I was so terrified of public speaking but would fail if I didn't perform in a play, she was open and willing to letting me co-write, (then write), direct, shoot and edit a presentation on VHS.
Many did so after me in the years that followed but she stepped outside the norm and allowed me to do it.
Most teachers, especially of her generation, didn't think that way or were as open to 'outside the box' approaches. That way of thinking was how she affected so much positive change.
She was a really Great Lady. 
I wish I'd have got to chat with her again more than the few times I did, as a teacher, but I do remember her laughing quite a bit when I was being blunt about school politics and/or just being sardonic.  
You were fortunate to know her.

Dear Patricia, 
I am deeply saddened by the passing of your remarkable mother, Joyce. A woman devoted to many causes, she was an excellent teacher and mentor for young people. Joyce was also tireless advocate for public libraries, playing a key role in helping the Fort Frances Public Library and Technology Centre to become the community hub it is today. Joyce provided guidance to the Ontario Library Service-North by serving on its Board and represented northern libraries well through her Ontario Library Boards' Association membership. At the Ministry we will miss Joyce's warm, welcoming and pleasant manner that we experienced when we visited the Ontario Library Service-North conference in Sudbury, as well as her passion, insight and humour. On behalf of the Ministry's Programs and Services Branch, I extend our condolences to you and your family.  
Peter Armstrong, Director, Programs and Services Branch, Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport

Hello Pat, I am saddened by the loss of your mother, Joyce Cunningham.  At the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, I work with public libraries and First Nation public libraries and would see and talk to Joyce at library conferences including the Ontario Library Service-North conference in Sudbury.  She was always very gracious and welcoming to ministry staff.  I know she was also instrumental in helping the beautiful Fort Frances Public Library and Technology Centre be completed to serve the Fort Frances community.   We will miss Joyce in many ways, including for her devoted work for the public library sector, her ease at the microphone doing speeches or introductions, and for her humour.  My condolences to you and your family. 
- Rod Sawyer, Library Services Advisor, Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport

So sorry about your Mom Patricia. My Mom and Dad and I had a great visit with her about a year ago when we travelled through Fort Frances on our way out west. I met your Mom through OSSTF. She was a wonderful person.

Thank you for sharing your Mom with me Patricia.  She was one of my bosses, but she was also a mentor and a friend, I will miss her greatly.  Please let me know if there is anything I can do..Leanne

The Northern Ontario Library Service Board and the Staff of Ontario Library Service North offer our sincerest condolences, Patricia.  Your Mother brought such passion to Public Libraries in the North and in the province as a whole.  Her presence at  the Board Table and the wisdom she shared with individual board members and the staff will be deeply missed.  Christopher Rous, Vice-Chair, Northern Ontario Library Service Board

    I write this, not as someone who knew Mrs. Cunningham well, but as someone who feels the impact she has had on so many.  I am one of many who frequent the public library, and I often stand in wonder at how incredible this facility has become.  The programs that are offered by the library now reach out to so many within our district...the organizations that are able to use the facility to encourage learning, growth, friendship, culture, and art - have a fabulous and inclusive space to offer their services...the children, teens, young adults, and seniors I see coming together, sharing this space - it really is fabulous to watch!  And Joyce, along with a committed team of individuals, made this happen.  They saw the vision before most of us did.  And now their dreams have come to fruition.  This facility hums with activity on a daily basis.  What an accomplishment. 

    The other thing that stands out to me, is how many people have been "inspired" by Joyce.  People's lives have been changed by knowing Joyce - encouragement, mentoring, teaching, determination, listening - the list goes on.  What a legacy she leaves behind!

    May this help her family during this sad time, knowing how Joyce impacted the world, and those who knew her.  This is the measure of a life well lived!

I am so saddened by the loss of Mrs. Cunningham who was such a fantastic teacher and incredible and passionate leader.  When I think of Joyce, I think of hope and perseverance.  As my teacher, she had a huge impact on me.   I was convinced I couldn't "do" English.  She encouraged me and helped me see that I could.  She  believed in me. She gave me hope and helped me persevere.  I have often thought back to how that made me feel and tried to conjure up her confidence in me when I felt like I could not do something.   Later, I watched what she did with the library and saw her ups and downs set against the steady backdrop of her dedication and perseverance. She is truly an inspiration.   What she gave me and so many others will live on in us forever.  Thank you, Joyce, for all you have done for me.  My thoughts are with you, Pat.  May you find peace and comfort in the community of support that surrounds you.

I am so very sorry Pat.  I liked your Mom very much and I will miss seeing her around town.


On behalf of The Southern Ontario Library Services Board of Directors , I wish to convey our sincere condolences to Joyce's Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May she rest in Peace.

George Hodgkinson
Chair SOLS

I knew Joyce through her participation in the Ontario Library Association and its division OLBA. What a passionate and intelligent person. She brought much to the association and the members it serves. Joyce was a wonderful lady with a great sense of humour. It has been a great honour to know her. My condolences to her family. Susanna Hubbard Krimmer (London Public Library)

I am saddened to hear of Mrs. C's passing and wish I had  told her how she inspired me to recently leave my 17 year career as a lobbyist and government relations professional in Washington DC to teach inner city High School kids  English - I just started my second year teaching and constantly hear her voice in my head and remember smany wonderful moments in her class. I can only hope to be a tiny bit like her - and I'm working on convincing my American administrators that we need to read Margaret Laurence! Pat - you are in my thoughts.

This news truly saddens me, but I can't think of Mrs Cunningham without smiling. She was so much more than just a teacher for so many of us. For me, she was someone who saw me when I felt invisible and supported me to be brave and authentic. I studied English lit at university, largely because of her. She inspired me.

I am saddened to read of the passing of Mrs. Cunningham. Her wit, her love of literature and her compassion and care for her students made her one of the best. So many favourites came to life in her classroom. Condolences to you, Pat, and thank you for sharing her with so many. Sad day.

Awesome lady and a dedicated educator. She saw good things in us all and tried to find a way for us each to have a voice. One of the people who made high school bearable for me. Stratford and The Tempest. She will be missed.
Andrew Crook
1982

I knew Joyce through the conferences hosted by OLS-N. She was such a wonderful, approachable, passionate person. New to the conferences and not knowing her very well, but seeing a frindly face, one day I just sat down to breakfast with her and we had a great conversation. I can only imagine how many people her life and passion touched. The world has lost a kind and good soul. Condolences to her family and community.

Joyce will be sadly missed.  She was an inspiring advocate for libraries and a great example for staff and board members.  My condolences to Joyce's family.

I only knew her a short while, having met her at the annual OLS-N conferences in Sudbury, but she had a genuine passion for public libraries. She will certainly be missed. Condolences to her family.
R. Veli
NBPL

I am a teacher today and I love my job. One of the people who inspired me to become a teacher was Mrs. C. She was caring, authentic and had the wickedest sense of humour.
Condolences to Patricia and family.

My favourite teacher ever - by far.  Her words of wisdom and insight have made an indelible mark on who I am.  In class and out of class, she truly cared for so many.  I will never forget my first trip to Stratford in October 1979 - standing in line overnight at the Festival Theatre for tickets to see Peter Ustinov as King Lear!  This was the first of many groups of students she would take there - 5 girls and Mrs. C.  She will be mourned by many.  My deepest condolences to Pat and her extended family.  Lorie (Clink) Grandmont - Gr.12 English - 1978 .     "For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,  When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Must give us pause." - W. Shakespeare

Joyce was one of my most important mentors - she had a logical and inquiring spirit that cultivated the best in all those who surrounded her. Her legacy lives on in all those people who interacted with her. I will raise a fine single malt in toast and remember her fondly.

I was so saddened to hear the news! Mrs. Cunningham was such a kind, insightful and inspiring teacher. She was a role model to many and has given so much to our community. Her memory will live on!

Mrs. C was the best teacher,  who inspired and believed in my potential and dreams.  I was fortunate to have seen her over the years while visiting fort Frances.  She was always proud of her students and their success.   I owe my success and writing skills to a teacher who never gave up on me.  so I raise my hand in the air to an extraordinary teacher and human being.   my sincere condolences to patricia and family,  your mom was so appreciated and loved by many.  she always had time to listen.   May she rest in peace.   All my relations,  sandra roach a very humbled student,  1978 

.

Joyce was the best Grade 9 English teacher I could have asked for.  She was tough, but fair, with the driest sense of humour!  You don't remember all of your teachers, but I will never forget her.

With great sadness, I offer heartfelt sympathy to Patricia, Joyce's extended family, and her vast network of associates in Fort Frances and the Ontario library community. Throughout her life, Joyce served her profession and community with passion, generosity and conviction. She was an exceptional human being and I, for one, am so thankful to hold her as a very special friend.

Pat I am so sorry for the loss of your mom,we are cousins by marriage and I remember your mom and dads.  The last time I saw your mom was at a pot luck supper for my visit about. 10 years ago at Doreen's .  Your mom was always cheerful and fun to be around, I know this will be very hard on you, being alone now, but the memories of your mom will get you through.

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Joyce Shannon Cunningham

8 avril 1939 – 7 novembre 2015

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