Joy Cunningham, 84, died on July 20, 2014 at her home in Raleigh. She was born April 9, 1930 in Milwaukee, WI, the daughter of the late Alfred and Anna Louise(Sampson) Gammelgard, descendants of Danish and Norwegian pioneers who helped settle the Dakota territory.
She had a passion for art and studied at the Memphis Academy of Arts. When her family moved to Raleigh, she worked as a volunteer at the North Carolina Museum of Art, and was an early member of Carolina Designer Craftsmen. She also organized an informal group of Norwegian descendants who gathered monthly for lunch and camaraderie.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, William R. Cunningham, two sons, a daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, on step-grandchild, and a brother.
Service will be private. Condolences may be made at www.mitchellatrmp.com.
