Obituary of Nancy J. Cunningham
Nancy J. Cunningham, née Perushek, 76, of Glastonbury, passed away peacefully surrounded by her daughters, on May 16, 2025. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of Louis Perushek and Elinor Filler, she grew up in Wickliffe, Ohio until she met her devoted husband of over 40 years, the predeceased Paul G. Cunningham, Jr. The two were married in 1978.
Nancy practiced dental hygiene, and later earned a Masters of Education in order to teach and direct dental hygiene programs. She was also a director of dental insurance at Unum. Paul and Nancy moved to Portland, Maine in 1980 where they founded Cunningham Security Systems, Inc. In 2006, Nancy and Paul retired to Sarasota, Florida, later moving to Glastonbury in 2020 to be closer to family. After Paul’s passing in 2023, Nancy remained in Glastonbury at Buckingham Heights Memory Care Facility, where she was lovingly cared for in her final years.
Nancy had a gift for making a house a home and every celebration unforgettable. She loved to cook, knit, sew, and entertain friends and family. Nancy was an avid reader, who loved mysteries and anything that gave her a good chuckle. During summers spent at Diamond Cove in Casco Bay, Nancy developed a remarkable sea glass collection that she gathered from many of the island’s secluded beaches. Her favorite color was purple, as evidenced by her favorite flower, lilacs.
Nancy was often described as a “go-getter” who always volunteered to help. During her daughters’ school years, she gave her time as Girl Scout leader, PTO president, and led the Swim Team Booster Club. A devoted fan of the Cleveland Indians, she also cherished family vacations, particularly regular trips to Disney World.
Nancy leaves daughter Jessica Cunningham McBride, her husband Patrick and grandsons Graham, 11, and Colin, 9, of Glastonbury. She also leaves daughter Rebecca Cunningham Auresto, her husband Nick, and grandchildren Emily, 10, and Nicholas, 7, of Colchester.
Private services will be held to honor Nancy’s life. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.mulryanfh.com. In lieu of flowers, please enjoy a good cup of coffee, welcome the sunshine, and sit down with a great book and think of Nancy.