Evelyn F. Cunningham

Evelyn Farrell Cunningham was born in Montrose, Iowa, the eldest daughter of Lester and Mabel Esther Farrell and sister to 8 brothers and sisters. Evelyn grew up in Fort Madison, Iowa and kept the Midwest in her heart throughout her life. She attended Sacred Heart School in Fort Madison before attending and graduating from Catholic Central High School. She then attended radio operator school in Kansas City. An adventurous and ever-curious young woman, Evelyn soon became involved with her lifelong love of aviation by moving east to Pittsburgh when she was recruited as a radio operator in the control tower for TWA Airlines, where she was also fortunate to meet Charles Lindbergh. The knowledge and experience she acquired in this technical skill led to recruitment as a civilian with the United States Navy and brought her to Washington, DC to play a critical role in the country's efforts during World War II. Evelyn's service with the Navy during the War enabled her to meet such notable historical figures such as Herbert Hoover and other top government officials. Evelyn had an extensive career working for the federal government, including service with the Bureau of Aeronautics, the Government Printing Office and the Social Security Administration. Noted as a beauty of her day, Evelyn was a runner-up in the 1950 Miss Bureau of Aeronautics pageant. The defeat of the Axis Powers in World War II brought the many brave servicemen back from overseas, including Joseph A. Cunningham. Joe and Evelyn first met at an event organized to welcome back the servicemen and help them adjust to civilian life. The two fell in love and were married in November 1946. Evelyn and Joe settled in the town of Cheverly, MD where they became critical in the fabric of the community. Their first child, Allie, was born in 1948. Evelyn's second son, Robert, was born in 1955. Following soon were her first daughter, Paula (1958), then a son Mark (1960), a second daughter, Mary Beth (1962) and her youngest child John (1965). Evelyn and Joe raised their children in Cheverly where they were faithful parishioners of St. Ambrose Catholic Church. Evelyn was the grandmother to 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Evelyn embraced the activities and opportunities available in the town of Cheverly, where her family had membership in the Cheverly Swim and Racquet Club and she encouraged her children in music, education and sports. Evelyn loved the violin and had a melodious singing voice. She played tennis regularly and stayed active her entire life. Her love of tennis led to the formation of the "tennis group," a collection of close friends in Cheverly who met weekly to fellowship and solve the problems of the world. Evelyn was a member of the Women's Auxiliary for the National Symphony Orchestra and served the organization in many important fundraising events. A fearless traveler, Evelyn trekked throughout the globe with Joe, visiting such places as Alaska (4 times), many countries in Europe and the Middle East. They also made yearly visits to Evelyn's home state of Iowa for the Old Thrashers Festival and spend time with her relatives. Joe's passing in November 2011 after 65 years of marriage left Evelyn missing her beloved travel partner. Evelyn passed quietly and peacefully in her Cheverly home surrounded by family. Evelyn's life is a testament to the truth that adventure and wonder are available to each of us if we have curiosity and an insatiable desire to keep learning. Evelyn was a faithful servant of the Lord who loved her family and an inspiration to all who knew her. We who come to celebrate her today will always remember her long and fulfilled life.