Sonia W. Cunningham entered this life May 27, 1959, the last born of eight children to the late Fletcher E. and Mary L. Washington in Louisville Kentucky. Her life was marked by her loving, caring and humorous persona that was evident to all who knew her.

Her early years began in the New York City Public School System in Jamaica Queens where she attended Public School 155, Shimer Junior High School, and Flushing High School. Sonia was affectionately known as “Pumpkin” and was the queen of her neighborhood park when it came to playing handball. She attended Plaza Business Institute where she received her Associates Degree in Dietary Management. She worked for various hospitals but her passion began as a delegate and organizer for Union 1199 while working at South Oaks Hospital in Long Island, NY. She fought hard for other employees rights. Sonia was also a caregiver to her Mother and clients of New York State. Some of the hospitals she worked were New York Hospital, and Long Island Jewish. Later on in Sonia’s career she advocated for working families through the political parties of 2004. Sonia joined Al Gore and Hilary Clinton’s presidential campaigns


In 1976 Sonia met and married James Cunningham. Sonia was blessed with two beautiful daughters. The first Michelle L. Howell, MBA and her baby Officer, Mary L. Cunningham. She was blessed enough to watch them blossom and mature into beautiful young women. Her daughters brought joy to her life and because of that the birth of her granddaughter Kendall Alyssa Howell changed her life completely. Sonia was driven by an overwhelming love for each of them and exhausted herself providing for their every need. She spoke to her children daily and was available to them day and night. This is not surprising, for any member of her family knew that “NO” was a difficult word for Sonia. Her ability to love was endless. She could always be counted on to respond to everyone’s needs.

On the morning of November 30, 2016 Sonia’s journey ended. The suddenness of her passing surprised everyone. However, we take great comfort in the fact that her suffering is over and that she is with Christ (Resting). We were blessed by her presence and cherish the memories that will keep her spirit alive and a legacy forever.

Blessed to celebrate her life are husband James L. Cunningham, her two daughters, Michelle L. Howell, Mary L. Cunningham, son-in-law Kirk Howell, two granddaughters Kendall A. Howell, Dazhia M. Howell, one brother Octavious Washington, five sisters, Tawana Gray, Rubenstein McClure, (John) Janice Washington-McCargo,(Elmo) Irean Dillard,(Edgar) Bernadette Baez, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

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