Cecil Cary Cunningham (née Waddell) of Gloucester County, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 31, 2023, in Falls Church, Virginia. Cecy was born on August 26, 1925, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late George Richard Cecil Waddell and Doris Carneal Bassford Waddell. Cecy graduated from Botetourt High School in Gloucester, Virginia, and attended the College of William and Mary. While at William and Mary, she was an active member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, continuing to support the sorority as well as the greater Panhellenic Council following graduation. Mrs. Cunningham met and married H. Westcott Cunningham at William and Mary. The two formed an unbeatable partnership for the more than 65 years of their marriage. Following graduation from William and Mary, Cecy worked for the Commerce Department in Washington, D.C., and then for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Cecy moved house, home, and two children (Ann and Todd) to Newport News, Virginia, where Mr. Cunningham became the first President of Christopher Newport College, now University. Her outgoing vivacious personality was unquestionably a huge asset to Scott’s career. Cecy was very active in the community, which was essential in garnering community support for the fledgling institution. Cecy was a member of the Garden Club and became a founding member of the Peninsula Fine Arts Commission. She then went to New Jersey where Scott became Headmaster of The Pingry School in Hillside, New Jersey, his alma mater. Cecy again became very involved in the community, supporting the Visiting Nurse of Elizabeth, the Garden Club, and several Pingry parent organizations. Throughout her life she was a devout member of the Episcopal Church, always considering Ware Episcopal Church in Gloucester, her home parish. She was active in the Women of Ware and the North River Circle of The King’s Daughters.

In addition to Mr. Cunningham, Cecy was predeceased by her son, Todd Waddell Cunningham. She is survived by daughter, Ann Westcott Cunningham Stachura and husband Mel; daughter-in-law, Margaret Smith Cunningham; grandchildren, Scott Davis, Margaret Davis, Andrew Davis, Todd Cunningham Jr., and Jack Cunningham, as well as six great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, September 7, 2023, in Ware Episcopal Church, 7825 John Clayton Memorial Hwy., Gloucester, Va. 23061, conducted by the Rev. Scott Parnell; interment will follow in the historical church cemetery. The family will receive friends in the Parish House following the service. At the request of our loved one, memorial contributions may be made to The H. Westcott Cunningham Endowed Leadership Scholarship at Christopher Newport University, 1 University Place, Newport News, Va. 23606.

Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home.