Alta Alena Cunningham

Mrs. Alta Alena Cunningham of Grand Harbour, Grand Manan Island passed away on Monday, May 9, 2016 at the Grand Manan Nursing Home with her sons by her side.  Born at Ingalls Head, she was the youngest daughter of Hillman and Phoebe (Snowdeal) Green. She left the island after graduating and worked jobs in Saint Stephen and Saint John until she caught the eye of a young soldier; Maurice Cunningham, whom she married in 1944 and travelled the country with him until he retired in 1971.  His postings included Gagetown in the early years, followed by Fort Churchill, Manitoba, Kingston, Ontario, Petawawa, Ontario and finally, Montreal. There was even a brief stop in Germany.  They retired to Grand Manan Island.   Alta kept busy with her family whom she loved.   She was active in the Ladies Auxiliary, Branch 44, Royal Canadian Legion, serving as Secretary, Treasurer and President over a period of 23 years.  She was awarded the honor of Life Membership in 1992.  She will probably be remembered more by the community at large for her active role in maintaining the Rummage Center in Castalia for the Legion.  Many happy hours were spent there with friend, Helen Bass sorting and bagging clothes and household items, and of course she loved her Legion Bingo on Thursday nights.

Alta is survived by her daughter Carole O’Brien of Conway, South Carolina. Her two sons; John (Diane) of Ingalls Head, and David of Grand Harbour. Grandsons; Richard (Maria) O’Brien, and Shawn (Stephanie) of Musquash. 

Also great-grandchildren, Jillian Alena and Liam Richard of West Chester, PA. Numerous nieces and nephews far and wide will also miss her bright smile and cheerful attitude.She was predeceased by her husband Maurice in 1987; grandson Graeme in 1996 and daughter, Patricia in 2012.

A family gathering with friends for a time of fellowship and reflection will take place at The Grand Manan Nursing Home on Friday July 1, 2016 from 2-4 pm. Donations may be made to the Grand Manan Hospital Foundation, Nursing Home Foundation, Maple Grove Cemetery or the donor’s choice.  Alta’s arrangements are in the care of Ells Funeral Home, 1199 Route 776, Grand Manan, NB E5G 1G2.  Condolences, messages of sympathy may also be sent to www.ells.ca, or (506) 662-3116.