Patricia Shea Cunningham

Patricia "Patty" Shea Cunningham passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026.

Patty was born on May 15, 1960 in Portsmouth, Virginia to William and Madeline Cunningham. The second-to-youngest in a Navy family, Patty grew up moving around the country and around the world, living in South Carolina, Washington State, and overseas in Scotland. After her father's retirement from the Navy, Patty grew up in Tacoma, Washington, where she was very competitive in Scottish Highland Dancing. She graduated from Bellarmine Preparatory School in 1977. While she began her college career in Tacoma, she eventually earned a Bachelor's Degree in Technical Writing from Old Dominion University.

Life as an adult took Patty to many places. Los Angeles, Houston, and Bahrain were some of the stops before she settled in White Bear Lake, MN. Along her journey she worked in a number of industries, including the music industry, the outdoor equipment industry, and as a contractor overseas for the Department of Defense. Late in life in White Bear Lake Patty found her true joy working in education with young children.

In her personal Patty was filled with a strong sense of service and social justice. She deeply admired Pope Francis, and sought to follow his example by serving others. A devout Catholic, her faith played a central role in her life and gave her many opportunities to serve. She was a member of St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, served as the Coordinator of Extended Day at Frassati Catholic Academy, and was active in the Church's nursery.

Patty was insatiably curious and had a wide range of interests. She was an avid reader and loved learning. She also enjoyed observing life and chronicling her observations in her journal. Growing up she swam competitively, and kept up her interests in swimming throughout her life for fitness and often served as a lifeguard in her community and as a Water Safety Instructor teaching children and adults swimming.

Above all, Patty loved her family the most. She was the second youngest of six children, and was the proud aunt to many nieces and nephews, and recently, grand nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father, William M. Cunningham; mother, Madeline L. Cunningham; and sister, Elizabeth T. Kollen. Patty is survived by her brothers, William "Budd" Cunningham and Michael (Liana) Cunningham; sisters, Mary Cunningham and Catherine (Bill) Barmore; as well as many loved nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Monday, August 24 at SAINT MARY OF THE LAKE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave, White Bear Lake with visitation beginning one hour prior. A second memorial mass will be held in Tacoma, WA in the near future.