Lois C. Cunningham

Friday, February 27, 1998

Lois C. Cunningham

Played church organ in Washington
Lois Chalfant Cunningham, 92, of Fredonia-Stockton Road, Stockton, N.Y., died at the home of her daughter Wednesday, February 25, 1998, after a brief illness.

She was born in Washington, May 25, 1905, the daughter of Odell S. and Annie Baglin Chalfant, Esq.
Mrs. Cunningham was a graduate of East Washington High School and Washington Female Seminary. She earned a bachelor's degree from Ohio Wesleyan University, where she majored in organ. She received a master's degree from Boston University's School of Religious Education and Social Work.
Mrs. Cunningham was a former resident of Washington, Berea, Ohio, Indianapolis, Ind., Westfield, N.Y., Chautauqua, N.Y. and Brocton, N.Y.
She was a lifetime member and the oldest member of First United Methodist Church of Washington. She was an associate member of Hulbut Community United Methodist Church at Chautauqua Institution. She was a member of American Guild of Organists, a life member and a 1966 graduate of Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. She was a member of Chautauqua Bird, Tree and Garden Club and a member of Chautauqua County Weavers Guild. She was a 90-year Chautauquan.
She had played the organ professionally for churches in Washington, Berea and Indianapolis.
On June 21, 1932, she married the Rev. Harold Cunningham, who died December 9, 1985.
Surviving are three daughters, Mathilda Murphy of Meadville, Emilie C. Bishop Moore of Belleview, Ohio, and Lucinda "Cindy" C. Durbin of Stockton, N.Y; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Deceased are a sister, Ruth Hannah Chalfant; and a brother, Paul Chalfant.
A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family and burial will be in Washington Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to Hurlbut Community Church, Chautauqua, N.Y., United Methodist House at Chautauqua Institution or the charity of the donor's choice.