Birth date: Jul 30, 1948 Death date: Jan 24, 2021
Sheila Cunningham, age 72 of Methuen, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2021. Sheila was born in Lawrence on July 30, 1948 to the late Edwin T. and Margaret (Casey) Cunningham. Sheila was a graduate of Tenney High School, Clas Read Obituary
Lynne Harvey-Miller lit a candle in memory of Sheila Cunningham
Dear Barbie, we were so saddened to hear of Sheila’s passing. My mom and I started talking about Bedford street and all the happenings. What a great place to grow up.
Both Brenda and I were at the high school when Sheila was there. She was the dean of girls at a time and luckily I never had to go to her office. Boy that would have been awkward!
We wish you well and hope you and your family are safe in these crazy times.
Take Care, hold those good memories close and smile.
With Love from the Appleyards
Donna Gould ( you were there)
[email protected]
Rest in Peace Miss Cunningham.....Ms Constance J Morgan Class of 1983 Methuen High School
Ms. Cunningham was my seventh grade English teacher way back in the early '70s. She was one of my favorite teachers. Later in high school, I served as manager for the girls' softball team. She was an excellent example for all the girls on the team- very classy and respectful. I'm sorry to hear of her passing. Sending vibes of peace to the family.
Judy Landry Talbot
I was very sad to hear of the passing of Miss Cunningham. I never had her as a teacher at Methuen High School and yet she taught me so much as my coach. Miss Cunningham was the best coach I ever had. She saw potential in me and encouraged me to try a position in softball I had never played before. She spent time helping me learn the position and drilling me as a catcher. She taught all of us to believe in ourselves and to cheer each other on. She challenged us in the most gentle and positive ways. I also remember vividly the basketball game in which she taught me to keep my emotions in check and show respect on the court when she pulled me from the game after yelling about a referee's non-call of a foul. Coach Cunningham inspired me to want to be a coach and when I had the opportunity to coach high school softball, she was my role model. Thank you Miss Cunningham for your example, inspiration, encouragement and teaching us to believe in ourselves.
WBWT!
Beth (Bender) FitzGerald
Class of 1976
Dear Barbara, my deepest sympathy for your loss. You won't remember me, but I used to babysit you and your siblings when you lived on Middlesex St. N.A. Often wondered what happened to you and your sisters and what paths you took. Looks like Sheila had a fulfilling life as I am sure you do too! Brings back a lot of memories, good and bad.
Wishing you peace and happiness,
Fondly,
Barbara (Low) Adams
Very sorry for your loss, Ms. Cunningham, as I knew her, was a great lady. While I spent more time in her office than I would like to admit, she was always fair, had a great sense of humor and I truly respected her. My friend and I were sharing the story not that long ago of her walking in the bathroom, I was putting on mascara and had put a lit cigarette on the sink. She walked in, I looked at her, she looked at me, and I said, "that's not mine". And I will never forget her face, I swear she was trying not to laugh. Needless to say I got detention but hey I deserved it. Students need more Ms. Cunningham's in their lives. She did not prey on the weakness of the students but empowered them by teaching that bad choices have consequences but never leaving them to feel that making bad choices made them bad people. My high school friends and I all turned OK and I believe she played a role in that. Thank you Ms. Cunningham, rest in peace.
"it is with a sad heart that I write this message. I am so very sorry to lose you, Sheila. Where have the days of fun and laughter at MHS gone? A dedicated teacher, knowledgeable and proficient athlete and coach, outstanding administrator, mentor, and dear friend, Sheila Cunningham has left an indelible mark on all who knew her. I will treasure the memories we have shared and forever appreciate all that you have done for so many!
Peace be with you,
Ann Marie Pizzano Krusell
Sheila was my best friend. We shared a deep, caring, friendship throughout, middle school, high school college and beyond. She was a trusted confidant, the best female athlete Methuen high ever had, but you would never know it from her. I will never forget our rides in her oldsmobile convertible, swimming at her boyfriend's camp, playing our annual Tenney Girls football game. Luckily we spent a summer going to driving school together. As always, she was a natural and I needed her help. She jokingly called Eileen and I the Prom Queens, and herself the jock. Field hockey and basketball bus rides were always an adventure. Her goal was always for everyone to love the sport they played for the love of the game. I carried that with me throughout life. Love you always Shiels!
Rest in peace my dear friend.
Sandy (DeGuglielmo) Williams
Sheila left a lasting impression on many of her student-athletes at Tenney High and Methuen High School. She inspired us all to be better people by being a wonderful role model and mentor. Sheila motivated the young women that she coached in ways that they probably didn’t comprehend as 16 year olds, and for the most part, they didn’t recognize until they were adults. During the 1970’s, Sheila was a fierce advocate of the newly written Title IX laws and she did everything in her power to make sure that the school was in compliance. With encouragement from Sheila, I also attended Bridgewater State and pursued a career in education with the intent to coach someday. I am so grateful that her guidance during my college search has allowed me to fulfill both of those dreams.
Thank you, Sheila for all the wonderful memories. It was an honor and a privilege to play on your teams.
“A good coach improves your game, but a great coach improves your life.”
Carol (MacLeod) Whiting
MHS Class of 1976
