Susan Cunningham Obituary

To the family of Susan Cunningham: I was shocked and saddened to learn of Susan's passing. I worked with her over 15 years ago at LaGrange Memorial Hospital and have never forgotten her. I was just beginning my career at the time and she made such an impression on me as a true pioneer in quality. Mainly I remember what a warm and fun-loving person she was. She always seemed to see the best in people. I am very sorry for your loss.

To Susan’s family,

Sadly, I cannot attend the memorial service for Susan at Children’s Memorial. But I wanted to share my thoughts about this wonderful lady. I attended her funeral, but I still cannot believe it – can’t wrap my brain around it. Ever since I first met her when I was interviewing her to be my boss at Children’s, I liked her from the start. She was so easy to talk to, and funny! I kept thinking about what a fun boss she would be. She inspires me to this day as I think about how fervently she believed that healthcare can be made better and safer. I now have her picture and obituary on my wall to instigate me when optimism loses momentum, and to prompt others to ask me about her, so I can share her wisdom.

My all-time favorite memory of her, though, is her kooky sense of humor, and how she could laugh at herself. She readily admitted that she did not have an affinity for technology, and would often ask my assistance with her computer at work. She told this story of how she was on the phone with tech support from home because she couldn’t get her computer to turn on. The tech walked her through the usual series of steps to troubleshoot the problem. Finally, completely stumped, he asked her one more question, “Is the computer plugged into the wall?” Susan just cracked up, and had a hard time speaking when she got to this part of the story because that was in fact the problem! The thing I can’t remember if she ever got around to admitting it to the guy on the phone!

The world of Quality has lost a great champion, leaving those of us behind who were touched by her to carry the torch. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Susan’s entire world of family and friends.

Fondly,

Tammy Gray

You and your family continue to be in our prayers. I was fortunate to have met Susan through a visit to Lagrange when Tom and I were in college. I always thought Tom was blessed with such a sharp and friendly sister.

Dear Cunningham family,
I'm a friend of Jill and John's and want to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your entire family. I met you daughter at Jill and John's house after juliann was born. She was such a nice person and I remember her warm smile. I was sad to hear of your loss and I will keep you all in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Allison Laughlin

If I am not mistaken Lillian, I was your roommate in Oak Park Hospital on January 12, '53 when my son Quintin and Susan were born. I have thought of you so often through the years. I still live in Brookfield, in the same house. I want to extend my sympathy to and celebrate her wonderful life with you and your family. Most sincerely, Lois Vahldick, Brookfield

My deepest sympathy on the loss of Susan. She was such a warm and sincere person, always wanting to help someone else.
I had the privilege of working with Susan for 3 years at Children's Memorial Hospital and am convinced she is with all of the hospital's children that are now up in Heaven.
Give my Dad a kiss for me, Susan!

Dear Cunningham family, Our thoughts an prayers are with you during this most difficult time. We have great admiration for Susan and all of her hard work and dedication for others. She truely made the world a better place.
Dr. Ricard & Cheryl Whitney

To The Family of Susan, I was so very saddened to hear of Susan's death. I had the pleasure of knowing Susan from our many shuttle rides to and from Childrens. She soon became one of my favorite people to sit next to. She was charming, funny, easy going and very classy. I never knew what an important job she did at Childrens because she was always modest and never boastful. I could tell from the beginning that she was smart, a leader and a diplomat. My job changed to the outpatient facility at CMH and I no longer rode the shuttle so I had not heard of Susan's illness. She made such a wonderful constribuation to the lives of patients and their families. She also touched the lives of all she came in contact with. My blessings and prayers to her family during this sad time. Sincerely, Ann Richards

My condolences to your family. I'm an employee of Children's Memorial, and even though I didn't know her personally, I know of her hard work and dedication to the hospital, and she wil be sorely missed.