Obituary of Merlyn Jones Cunningham

Merlyn Jones Cunningham, 89, of Belfast, went to be with those she loved that had passed before her on May 17, 2015, after a brief illness. She was born on July 29, 1925, to Doris and George Jones. She married the love of her life, Raymond P. Cunningham, on June 1, 1947. They spent most of their married life in Freedom, Maine. Raymond passed away in 1972 and Merlyn relocated to Belfast a few years after that. Besides her husband, she is predeceased by two sisters, Audrey Jackson and Sandra Clark; as well as two brothers, Paul and Gerald Jones. Merlyn also lost a dear son, Raymond, Jr. and a granddaughter, Tammy Cunningham as well. She is survived by two sons and their families, Kenton and Kathy Cunningham, of Freedom; Wayne and Lori Cunningham, of Belfast; and her daughter-in-law, Nancy Cunningham, of Lakeland, Florida. She also leaves behind her grandchildren; Gary, Chad, Jason, Dustin, and Whitney Cunningham, Joshua Solebello and Jodi Whitaker, as well as ten great-grandchildren. Her ever-expanding family also is anxiously awaiting two more great-grandchildren, and her first great-great-grandchild. She also leaves behind many cousins and family; and her best friend in the world, Joyce Fenner of Belfast. Merlyn was a unique, talented, and very independent woman. Her ingenuity and skills rivaled that of many carpenters or mechanics - she thoroughly enjoyed building, fixing and creating projects. There were not many jobs that she wouldn’t tackle, right up until recently. The family is especially thankful for the care given by the Hospice Unit at the Waldo County General Hospital, as well as the dedication and loving care given by her friend Joyce Fenner. At her request, a service will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2015, at 1:00 p.m., at the Chapel in the Grove Cemetery in Belfast. A family interment will follow at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Freedom after. In lieu of flowers, we would ask donations be sent to the American Cancer Society, or the Waldo County Triad.