Patricia Anne Bergen Cunningham, 74, passed away Sunday, January 13th 2019 comforted by the presence of her loving family. She is survived by her loving husband of fifty-two years, George Francis Cunningham, children Virginia Van Wicklin (Fred Van Wicklin), Susan Moran (Joseph Moran), and David Cunningham (Christopher Thibeau), as well as her five grandchildren Caitlin Van Wicklin, Hannah Haynes, Michaela Van Wicklin, Mollie Haynes, and Jack Haynes.
She was born on February 27th 1944 in Shaker Heights, Ohio to her late parents Rose Crawley Bergen and William J. Bergen Jr. The youngest of four, she was predeceased by Virginia Bergen and William J Bergen III and is survived by Marguerite Bergen. A graduate of Newton College of the Sacred Heart, she spent her early married life in Boston, Massachusetts.
In 2004, the Township Committee of Bernards Township in Basking Ridge, New Jersey presented Pat with a special resolution to honor her dedicated service to Bernards Township for decades of service. Pat spent time in Basking Ridge as a member of the Board of Directors for the Basking Ridge Library for fifteen years and as President was instrumental in the development of the library’s expansion. Pat spent 10 years as media chair for the St. James High School CCD program and was an active member of the Basking Ridge Garden Club. While in Williamsburg, Virginia, Pat was an active member and 6-year standing officer of the Williamsburg National Women’s 18-Holers League and a member of St. Bede Catholic Church. She loved strolling Duke of Gloucester Street in Colonial Williamsburg.
When Pat wasn't volunteering within her communities, she loved exploring family heritage through genealogy, improving her handicap in golf, reading the latest bestsellers, exploring the world on trips, and cooking delicious meals for family and friends.
But most importantly, Pat always put her family first. She loved anything that brought the family together and even the most mundane family gathering became a “first annual”. She established many unique family traditions that will endure.
Spending time with “her nice George” really made her the happiest. Pat made friends everywhere she went and lit up every room she entered. She will always be remembered for her saying, “Damn We Had Fun” while living a life on her terms with zest and spunk.
Her family will receive friends and loved ones at Nelsen Funeral Home on Thursday, January 17th at 3785 Strawberry Plains Road in Williamsburg, VA from 5:00PM-7:00PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 18th at 11:00AM at St. Bede Catholic Church at 3686 Ironbound Road.
To honor her, we ask you to make a donation in her name to something that gives you joy as she lived her life bringing joy to so many.
