Dorothy M. Cunningham

On Wednesday, June 30th, 2021 Dorothy (Dot) Marie (Elling) Cunningham passed to join her heavenly Father. Dot spent 77 years on this earth, born June 26, 1944, the daughter of Theodore (Ted) and Clara (Koekenmeier) Elling. On May 29, 1963 in Pekin, IL, she married the love of her life, Joseph Cunningham Sr, and he survives in Breese, IL. Together they raised 3 children.
In addition to her husband she is survived by her children, Sheri Huelsmann of Rinard, IL, DeWayne Cunningham of Carmi, IL and Joseph (JR) Cunningham Jr. of Fort Wayne, IN; her most beloved grandchildren, Evonne and husband Kyle Jacob of Highland, IL, Shaelyn Cunningham with special friend, Cain Branson of South Bend, IN, Karlee Huelsmann with special friend, Trey Kent of Breese, IL, Trevor Cunningham of Bloomington, IN, and Carl Cunningham of Fort Wayne, IN; special granddaughters by love, Sasha Eilers and Samantha Busch of Breese, IL; her siblings, Irene and her husband Val Theising of Germantown, IL, Margie and her husband Larry Grapperhaus of Pekin, IL, and Raymond Elling of Carlyle, IL; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Frank Cunningham of Thonotosassa, FL, Jim and Judy Cunningham of Corona, CA, John Cunningham of Bossier City, LA, and Nancy Cornwell of Flora, IL; Dorothy also leaves many nieces and nephews.
Meeting Dorothy in heaven are her infant grandsons, Abraham Huelsmann and Dylan Cunningham; daughter-in-law, Hope Cunningham; parents, Ted and Clara Elling; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Carl and Erma Cunningham; infant sister, Mary; brothers, Jim and wife Ruth Elling and Ervin and wife Shirley Elling; sisters-in-law, Doris Elling, Nancy Cunningham, and Carol Cunningham; and brother-in-law, Garland Cornwell.
Dorothy was a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese. Many of her hobbies included crocheting, cross stitching, crossword puzzles, putting puzzles together and reading. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and attending as many of their events as she could. She enjoyed traveling with her Husband and was able to see 48 states, Canada, Mexico and Puerto-Rico the good old fashion way, traveling by car, making many memories. They were planning yet another adventure to California to see a many of the National Parks and Forrest's. She always loved to take photos, her camera always in hand to capture many memories. With the many pictures she would take, she never wanted her picture taken. She loved playing music, either the organ or playing the mouth harp like her father. She had a passion for baking cookies with her grandkids. She loved to dance and was a wonderful cook. Dorothy was a graduate of St. Marys' Grade School in Carlyle, IL, Mater Dei High School in Breese, IL and Kaskaskia College in Centralia, IL. Dorothy retired after 35 years, keeping St. Joseph Hospital spotless in their housekeeping department. She volunteered with the cleaning group at the St. Dominic Parish, and working at the Carlyle food pantry.
She loved her faith and for anyone that crossed her path she always had a kind word and a smile. She always thought of others and gave of herself more than most would know.
Family and friends may be received at Nordike Funeral Home in Breese the evening of Thursday, July 8th between the hours of 4:00 and 8:00 PM or at St. Dominic Church on Friday, July 9th between 10:00 and 10:45 AM.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 9th at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese with Fr. Patrick Peter officiating. Interment will follow at St. Dominic Cemetery in Breese.