July 24, 1961 ~ November 25, 2004
Christine Margaret Cunningham, a prolific artist for over 20 years and a 5-year resident of Redondo Beach, passed away on Thursday, November 25, 2004 in Los Angeles. Born July 24, 1961, in Oklahoma, Christine, 43, served in the United States Air Force for over 10 years and was Deputy Director for the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families department for 5 years. She was a graduate of The Florida State University and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She is survived by her husband, John Horrocks of Redondo Beach; daughter, Grace Carpenter of Redondo Beach; step-daughters, Samantha Horrocks of Waco, TX and Hillary Beemer of Ishpeming, MI; parents, Charles and Letitia Cunningham of Alexandria, VA; brothers, Chuck Cunningham and his wife, Lanie, of Ghedi, Italy, Tim Cunningham and his wife, Melinda, of Annandale, VA, and John-Michael Cunningham of Redondo Beach; along with sisters Patricia LaForge and her husband, Philip, of Madison, WI, and Mary Cunningham and her husband Michael Balog of Virginia Beach, VA. Rosary Services will be held Monday, November 29 at 7:00 P.M. at Rice Mortuary, 5310 Torrance Blvd. in Torrance. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, November 30 at 3:00 P.M. at St. James Catholic Church, 415 Vincent Street in Redondo Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to 222-D South Irena Ave., Redondo Beach, CA, 90277, in the name of The Christine Cunningham Young Artists Scholarship Foundation. To view her artistic legacy and learn more about the Foundation, please visit Christine’s website at www.ChristineCunningham.com.
Myself and many of her friends used to run road races with Christine in the DC area during the early 90\’s. She was a great athlete and competitor. She always had a sunny outlook on life. I also worked with her while we both were Legislative Liaison officers, her Air Force and me Army. The news of her passing is devastating. My most sincere condolences to Christine\’s family but especially to her daughter Grace, who is a very wonderful young lady. If I can help in any way, please feel free to contact me. Harry Malone
To John and the rest of Christine\’s family: I am so sorry to hear this horrible news. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Christine was always such a sweet person and so supportive of my own art career. She will be terribly missed. Angelia
Dear Cunningham Family, Our sincerest condolences on the passing of Christine. As a proud member of the Class of ’69, 32nd Squadron, Christine, I’m sure, was one of the many Cunningham ankle biters peeking around the corner whenever the gaggle of firsties made their way to your home, be it for “trick or drink†or one of the other special festivities we invented to get out of the “new dorm.†One of the hardest things, and I hope I never have to face it, has to be the loss of a child. Our best to you both in this moment of tragedy. It’s been a long time since we tossed our hats into the air at graduation, but be assured your 32nd Squardon firsties have kept both you and Tish in mind over the years. In case I personally haven’t said it before, thank you for making my last year at the Zoo fun (to a point) and motivational. While being a DoD Contractor, and seeing your name on occasion, we all got a good “bring-up†on your history, status, etc. from Jack Overstreet at our recent 35th reunion. A good time was had by all, telling lies and remembering the past. In fact conversations and “trying to recall or rewrite history†continued after the reunion as we tried to piece together the story of the “Squadron 32 Roadrunner Patch†design & creation. The subject had come up when some of the guys made a visit to the squadron area and noted, while it looks a little different, and is smaller, the patch is still basically the same after 35 years. The recalling the interesting story of its design, AF approval, copyright issues, etc led us to the conclusion that trying to recall too hard what went on back then might bring up issues they probably don’t want to deal with in the present. Anyway, it was fun reconstructing the past. The only thing missing from the 32nd portion of the reunion was the old AOC. Will have to drum up an effort to bring you both in for the 40th. Sincerely yours, Bob & Joyce Toth
Dear, Dear Cunningham Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Although Christine is probably the only Cunningham I didn\’t have the pleasure of meeting, I have heard so many wonderful things about her and her artwork. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Elizabeth Swinford
Dear Cunningham Family, I wish to send my condolences to all of you. I regret that I never met Christine, and will always regret it. I am glad I had the opportunity to speak with her on the phone and communicate in writing. I know John has been so happy with her, probably the happiest I have ever seen him. You all sound like an amazing family. John has told me how special you are to him and I trust all of you will be a support to one another. I am so so sad that so vibrant a life was cut short without warning. With sorrow, love, and hope, Pat Horrocks (John\’s sister)
Jerry and I would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to Christine\’s brothers and sisters,& to all the the family members we have not had the pleasure of meeting, or have not seen in many years. We are able to talk to your parents to share our thoughts and prayers but wanted to let all the rest of you to know that our prayers are with you in this tremendous loss of your beautiful sister Christine. She was a gifted artist and has left a legacy for all the family to treasure, she was so accomplished-what a full life she had! One knows she had to have made a difference in so many lives, what joy she must have brought to those who worked with her, and those who viewed her art. God bless all of you and your families. Sincerely, Jerry and Judy Volloy