Sister Marita Cunningham

Sister Marita Cunningham (also known as Sister Mary Ita) died peacefully at Our Lady of Mercy Convent, Auburn on Friday, October 5, 2012. Born on August 7, 1917 in Longford, Ireland, she was the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Cunningham. She entered the Sisters of Mercy on October 10, 1935 and professed final vows on September 8, 1941. She spent thirty four years in education ministry serving as teacher and principal in elementary and secondary Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sacramento including: St. Joseph Academy, Sacred Heart, Holy Spirit, Our Lady of Fatima, St. Joseph Schools in Sacramento and St. Joseph, Redding. In 1969 she transitioned to parish religious education serving as Associate Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of Sacramento for four years; and as coordinator of Religious Education at St. Dominic Parish, Orland and St. John the Baptist Parish, Chico for nineteen years. She earned her MA degree in Religious Education from St. Thomas University, Houston and her BA and teaching credential from the University of San Francisco. She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and her religious community. She is predeceased by her sisters: Esther, Catherine Crawley, and Ita Smith, brothers: Peter and John. A vigil service was held on Thursday, October 11 at 7:00 pm and a Mass of Christian burial was be celebrated on Friday, October 12 at 11:00 am. All services were at Our Lady of Mercy Convent, 535 Sacramento Street, Auburn 95603. Memorials may be made to: Sisters of Mercy retirement fund or to a charity of your choice.