Margaret Cunningham

Margaret Cunningham of Pearl River, New York, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on December 14th, 2025. She was 89 years old.

Margaret was born in Drumlish, County Longford, Ireland, to Michael and Mary (Cooney) Mimnagh. She held a deep and lifelong love for her home country of Ireland, its people, traditions, and culture. At the same time, she was immensely proud to become an American, grateful for the opportunities and life she built in the United States.

As a young woman, Margaret left Longford and moved to Northern Ireland, where she worked for several years, before continuing her employment in Manchester, England. In 1959, she emigrated to New York, beginning the next chapter of her life.

In 1962, Margaret met the love of her life, Jack Cunningham, at an Irish dance in the Bronx. They were married on October 17th, 1964, and in 1965 made their home in Pearl River, where they shared 60 happy years together.

Above all else, Margaret cherished her role as a mother and grandmother. She loved being with family and treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and her many nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

Margaret was an avid reader and a lover of classic movies, crime shows and sitcoms, which brought her great enjoyment. She also had a lifelong love of animals, gardening, and travel. Having grown up on a farm, her appreciation for nature stayed with her throughout her life. She especially treasured traveling with Jack, with favorite destinations including Ireland, East Durham in the Catskills, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Margaret is survived by her devoted children, Thomas Cunningham of Pearl River, NY, and Michele Cunningham of Pearl River, NY; and by her pride and joy, her grandchildren, Emily Ferretti of Charlotte, NC, and Cole Casscles of Pearl River, NY. She is also survived by her 2 siblings Mary Reynolds of Longford, Ireland and Winslow Mimnagh of Long Island, NY.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Jack Cunningham (2022), and her siblings, John, Peter, Patrick, and Kathleen Mimnagh.

Services will be held on Wednesday, December 17th, 2025, at St. Aedan’s Church in Pearl River, with Mass at 10:00 a.m.

Margaret will be remembered for her warmth, resilience, and devotion to her family, her heritage, and the country she proudly called home. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to RG CARES Animal Shelter (formerly Hi-Tor Animal Shelter). See link below.

https://www.fourlegsgoodnynj.org/donate.html