Doris J. Cunningham

Doris Jean Skelding Cunningham
12/10/1928 to 5/4/2018

Born December10, 1928 (a birth date she would later share with her grandson, Trent), she was the daughter of Pauline Mae Sheaffer and Francis Marion Skelding. Doris was raised with her brother Francis Marion in Harrisburg and Duncannon, PA . Following her graduation from Duncannon High School, she wrote for the local newspaper, the Duncannon Record.

Quoted from a news article in the Duncannon Record: “Miss Doris Skelding, who has been employed as a combination Society Editor, Secretary, Bobby-Sox Interpreter, and Printer’s Devil for some months past, will change the Miss to Mrs., this Saturday as she takes the vows with Lee Cunningham, of Duncannon, at the home of her mother in Harrisburg. We remind you all that the employees of this shop come first in the struggle to kiss the bride, so stand aside men, stand aside men.”

Following his discharge from the US Navy, Doris wed Lee Cunningham on March 15, 1947. During the early years of their marriage they resided with their two daughters; Gay L. Di Marco (Allen) of Allenwood, PA and Karin L. Kearns (Scott) of Enola, PA , in Duncannon, Harrisburg, Kansas City, Kansas before purchasing their “forever home” in Rutherford Heights, PA. Throughout their 66 years of marriage, she was a charter member of the United Methodist Church of Rutherford, an enthusiastic Girl Scout leader of 20 years, and volunteered at the Hershey Medical Center. An avid seamstress, she sewed clothing for her daughters, including their wedding dresses. Doris enjoyed being active and participated in tai chi and water aerobics for many years.

Answering to many titles…wife, mother, D.J. …she was happiest to assume the role of Nana to five grandchildren: Abrahm, Trent, Shannon, Kirk and Justin. She devoted many hours, and traveled many miles to entertain, watch sporting events, attend choral and band concerts, and even make college visits as the grandchildren matured. She is now Nana to eight great grandchildren: Adam, Alden, Adalee, Connor, Alexander, Maya, August and Roman.

A lifelong philosopher, Doris was a collector of wit and wisdom. Wise or humorous, she always had quotes or cartoons posted on the refrigerator door. She was fond of saying: “Life is what happens to you while you are making other plans.”

We would like to extend a special thank you to the Country Meadows Retirement Communities, Building 4, third floor staff for the support, care, and love they bestowed upon Mother during her three and a half year residency.

Doris’ Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00, on May 19, 2018 in the Building 3 chapel at Country Meadows Retirement Community, 4837 E Trindle Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 to 11:00.

Flowers will be provided by the family. Donations can be made in Doris’ honor to Penn State Children’s Hospital, c/o Jamie Cecil, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033.

For more information or to send messages of condolence, please visit www.parthemore.com.