Joyce Wentworth Cunningham
August 29, 1930 ~ January 28, 2024
Resided in:
Acton, Maine
Joyce W. Cunningham passed peacefully at home with family, January 28, 2024 at age 93. Joyce Elaine Wentworth was born August 29, 1930, daughter of Helen and Norman Wentworth. She leaves the love of her life, husband R. Clifford Cunningham, Jr. just a few days before their 70th wedding anniversary. She also leaves her daughter Cynthia Wicks and son-in-law Kurt, her son Alan Cunningham, her brother Harlan Wentworth and sister-in-law Doris, her brother Erlan Wentworth and sister-in-law Roberta, her grandchildren Ryan, Jenny, Chad and Craig, and many other extended family members and friends.
Joyce was a native of Acton, Maine and a beloved member of the Acton Congregational Church where she worshiped and served for many years in too many capacities to list. She and Cliff lived in Shrewsbury, MA while their children were growing and going to college. During those years she was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Worcester, MA. Cliff and Joyce then moved back to their beloved Wilson Lake in Maine where they happily spent their retirement years.
Joyce retired from Assabet Valley Regional Technical School where she was a well-respected and loved teacher and head of the English department. Joyce received many “Teacher of the Year Awards” over the years and was fondly known as “Mrs. C.”
She has been a teacher, role model, mentor, and friend to so many over the years. She will continue to be loved and missed, and her words of wisdom and deep Christian faith will remain with all who were fortunate enough to benefit from them. We love you, Joyce/Mom/Gramy.
To honor Joyce and her deep faith, the family requests any gifts be sent to the Acton Congregational Church, PO Box 28, Acton, ME 04001. Please mark gifts “In Honor of Joyce” so they will be allocated to the correct fund.
The family is planning a Memorial Service on Saturday, April 13 at 11 AM. The service will be held at the Acton Congregational Church in Acton, ME 04001.
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed. Please use the following link to attend the service on April 13th.
https://sites.google.com/site/actonmaineucc/livestream
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So saddened to read of Joyce’s passing. She was a wonderful woman that allowed me the honor of helping her put together several of her family’s history books. She was so proud of each and everyone of her children and grandchildren and her heritage. Only wish I reached out to her more often.
What a wonderful friend she was. We met on our first day of teaching, the connection was made, and we shared students, adventures and secrets. She will be missed.
God Blessed your life here on earth. You are missed.
She was always friendly, kind, and willing to take the time to visit with neighbors and share interesting stories with humor, even her book.
She left a beautiful book about her mother Helen Wentworth, that she had written about her life growing up, sharing many memories not only of her travels, but also of the earlier years spent at Wilson Lake; a place so many people love and treasure with fond memories.
It was wonderful to be able to attend the beautiful service for Joyce on line at Acton Congregational Church. Thank You! I’m sure Joyce was watching everyone, smiling with love and joy. What an interesting and fascinating life she’s lived. Perfectly done Cindy! A wonderful service this is that touches the heart with stories, music, humor and love. My sincerest condolences to Cindy, Kurt, and the whole family and dear friends.
As a neighbor at Wilson Lake.
Cindy, Kurt & Family: Through the recent years, I have been privileged to share common experiences (the ups and downs) about our dear ones. May you always be blessed with fond memories of your dear Mother. Paul L
When we met (1992) I was the aupair of Cindy, Joyce’s daughter and only a few weeks in the U.S. But she immediately took me in and saw me as part of the family. I even received a Christmas present from her, which I still have today.
She will have a place in my heart for the rest of my life. Joyce and Cliff have made it possible for me to have such wonderful vacations at Wilson Lake, for which I am deeply grateful. We always had a great time together during my visits.
I will always remember her tireless energy
She loved reading, she inspired me to collect all the Agatha Christie books what I did.
She was an open person, humorous, communicative, warm and full of energy. Just a great person
There are so many. I met her in Copenhagen, where she stayed for two days after a cruise. We had arranged a meeting point but she didn’t show up. I couldn’t reach her by phone either. It gave me a real fright. At some point, she got off a sightseeing bus. She had just gotten lost.
Joyce was always a warm and very friendly person to meet. My first meeting with Joyce was at the church. Also knew her wonderful mom, Helen Wentworth. RIP, Joyce. You will be forever missed.