Marjorie Annis Cunningham

Marjorie Annis Cunningham's Legacy In the tapestry of life, certain threads shimmer brighter, weaving a story of love, grace, and resilience. Marjorie Annis (Parchment) Cunningham was one such radiant thread, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend whose essence touched the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Born to the bustling streets of The Bronx, New York on June 13, 1932, to Martha Ambrozine (Pinto) Parchment and Michael Angelo Parchment. and nurtured by the tropical beauty of Jamaica from about the age of 5. She and her younger brother, Michael Pinto Parchment, were sent to Jamaica for their protection and to receive a “proper education” since the USA became involved in WWII and their father joined the army. Jamaica was under British rule at that time. A trailblazer in her own right, from her early days at Sandy Bank Primary School in Treasure Beach, Jamaica, where she met her lifelong best friend Evadne “Kitty” Williams to West Indian’s Training College in Mandeville, Jamaica, Marjorie pursued her education with determination. She lived with her Uncle “Max”, Osmond Nathaniel Pinto, and his wife, Violet (Witter) Pinto on their farm known as “Wyoming” in Knockpatrick, 4 miles from Mandeville. There Marjorie tended to her vegetable garden, raised milking cows and chickens on the farm, and had a citrus orchard. Together with many treasured moments, growing up and sharing a lifetime with her brother Mike, cousin Osmond DeWitter “De” Pinto, and future sister-in-law, Yvonne Shirley (Witter/Binns) Parchment. Marjorie and Mike lived there for 13 years until it was time to return to the USA to continue both their educations in high school and college. Marjorie's thirst for knowledge, unwavering determination, pioneering spirit, and resilience in the face of challenges, where she was often the only woman and only person of color in her classes at City College of New York (CCNY), inspired all who crossed her path while earning her bachelor’s degree. Her career as a Biochemist and Medical Administrator spanned over three decades, leaving an indelible mark on those she worked with at Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. CCNY is where she also met her future husband, Lester Aldred Cunningham. They were married in 1957, lived in Brooklyn, NY, and had 2 daughters, Eva and Lori. In 1970, they moved to New Rochelle, NY where Lester set up his practice as a medical doctor. They lived there for 35 years. Marjorie's legacy of love and kindness extended far beyond her professional accomplishments. Her brother always called her “Sis” and she was known to the Parchments as "Aunt Sissy", to the Pintos as “Annis” and “Anise” and to the Cunninghams as “Marjorie”. Nieces, nephews, and other family were never forgotten as every year you would receive a loving telephone call or card or gift or all 3 from her on your birthdays, holidays, or special personal occasions, like graduation. Her love for her family was boundless, extending far beyond blood ties to embrace all as her own. Marjorie was devoted to her surviving brother, Michael Pinto Parchment, and mother to her daughters, Eva Facey and Dr. Lori Cunningham. A cherished grandmother to Erica (Facey) Jahmora, Mia (Facey) Berry, and Spencer Coffey, and a loving great-grandmother to Jahai Jahmora and Jahlil Jahmora. She was a pillar of strength and the beacon of unwavering support and unconditional love. In her later years, and after Lester died (2/28/02) Marjorie moved to Napa, California in 2004 to live with her daughter Eva and her family. There she found solace and joy in the serene vineyards of Napa, where the weather reminded her of Mandeville’s warm days and perfect sleeping temperatures at night. Marjorie filled her days with quilting, volunteering at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, and imparting wisdom gleaned from a life well-lived. She loved baseball, boxing, and horse racing, all things she had learned about from her father. And let’s not forget, born in The Bronx, and lived in Brooklyn, Marjorie was a True New Yorker and of course, a woman of style and fashion. She enjoyed shopping with her beloved sister-in-law, Cynthia (Cunningham) Young at Abraham & Strauss, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, and Lord & Taylor. Marjorie was always makeup perfect, chic, elegant, and beautifully dressed with her “birthstone” pearl accessories, matching handbag, and shoes, then off to the ballet, Broadway, Barnum & Bailey, concerts, other New York shows, and Church on Sundays accompanied by family and friends. Marjorie's life was a rich tapestry of experiences that shaped her into the remarkable woman she was. A glow of kindness and elegance, she embraced each day with a spirit of warmth and generosity that knew no bounds. On July 5, 2024, she left this world peacefully at the age of 92, surrounded by love and cherished memories at her home in Napa, California. As we bid farewell, let us carry forward the light Marjorie brought into our lives, the love she shared, and the grace with which she lived. May her spirit continue to guide us, and may her memory be a blessing that shines brightly in our hearts forevermore. Rest in peace, dear Mom, Aunt Sissy, Annis, Marjorie, your legacy of love will endure for eternity. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the American Diabetes Association (https://diabetes.org/ways-to-give/memorial-gift) or Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research (www.Komen.org) in honor of Marjorie's memory. Funeral Service Saturday, August 3, 2024 11:00 AM St. Mary's Episcopal Church 1917 3rd Street Napa, California 94559

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Marjorie Annis Cunningham

June 13, 1932 - July 5, 2024