OBITUARY: Maribeth Cunningham
Maribeth Ann Perry Cunningham passed away peacefully at her home in Boca Grande on May, 17, 2020. She was born at Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago, Ill. on November 19, 1934, to U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Samuel Perry and Nelle Blanche Brookman Perry.
Beloved wife of the late Patrick J. Cunningham (passed Nov. 18, 2019); adored sister of the late John (“Jack”) T. Perry (Pamela Roberts); loving mother of Leslie Driscoll (Robert, deceased), Brian Perry Bruce, Sr., (Margaret), Scott Spencer Bruce, and Lizabeth B. Bail (Steve); cherished grandmother of six grandchildren – Maribeth Lee (Matthew), Brian Bruce Jr., Andrew Bruce (Cali Vecchio-Miller), Michelle Bruce (Justin Miles), Mary Bail, and Stephen Bail; and great-grandmother to four great-grandchildren.
She also leaves behind stepson Devin Cunningham and stepdaughter Meghan Mead (John Roberts).
Maribeth graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority where shemade lifelong friends. Originally a resident of Illinois living on the North Shore of Chicago, she and her beloved Patrick enjoyed their home in Winnetka, Ill., and then in Northfield, Ill.
They became snowbirds and Florida residents after purchasing a home in Boca Grande, on the Gulf. They also enjoyed their lifestyle in Telluride, Colo., where they were an active part of the community for over 30 years. They also owned a ranch in Ridgeway, Colo., where they raised horses for 12 years. Maribeth also maintained two cottages on Lake Michigan in Covert, Mich.
Maribeth and Patrick enjoyed making new friends and spending time with many longtime friends at Old Willow Club, Sunset Ridge County Club, Boca Bay Pass Club, Boca Grande Pass Yacht Club, Coral Creek Club, and Lemon Bay Golf Club.
Maribeth enjoyed horseback riding since childhood, skiing, tennis, golf, and bridge. Maribeth exuded elegance, grace and style and was a kind and thoughtful person. She was a talented dancer and active member of the dance troupe “Off The Ground Productions” on the North Shore.
She and Patrick were known for their kindness and generosity toward others. Maribeth was loved by so many because she shared her fierce love of lifewith zest and compassion toward others. She will be greatly missed by her family and by her manyfriends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name can be sent to Boca Grande Health Clinic Foundation, P.O. Box 2340, Boca Grande, FL. 33921.
A celebration of Maribeth’s life with her family and her nearest and dearest friends will take place on Friday, November 6, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. at the Power House at Boca Bay Pass Club in Boca Grande.
