Obituary of Marcile Elizabeth Cunningham

Cunningham, Marcile E., age 85, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, July 22, 2023, at Toni & Trish House, Auburn, MI. Marcile was born February 23, 1938 in Mio, Michigan, the daughter of Gleason and Mildred (Speck) Smith. She graduated from Mio High School in 1955 and, beginning in 1959, received undergraduate, graduate, and specialist degrees from Central Michigan University. Marcile was united in marriage to Edmund Cunningham, Jr. on June 24, 1961 in Warren, MI.

Marcile is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Edmund, daughter Elizabeth (Jon) Herman of Los Gatos, CA, son Ed (Laura) Cunningham of Auburn, MI, and brothers Jerry (Mary) Smith of St. Augustine, FL, and David (Kathy) Smith of South Lyon, MI.  She is also survived by granddaughters Rachel Herman of Munich, Germany and Naomi Herman of Portland, Oregon.

Marcile’s 41-year teaching career began in the Mt. Clemens school system, followed by 39 years teaching primarily jr. high math in the Coleman Community Schools.  After “retirement” she taught math at Mid-Michigan Community College for several years.

Marcile had a passion for making music. She was a member of the American Guild of Organists and shared her talents with many churches over the years.  These included St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Coleman, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sanford, State Street United Methodist Church in Saginaw, and Community Christian Reformed Church in Saginaw.  She played clarinet and bass clarinet in several area bands, including 47 years with the Saginaw Eddy Band. Marcile will always be remembered for sharing her musical talents with everyone she knew.  Throughout her life Marcile was also an accomplished seamstress. In retirement she became a quilter who gifted many beautiful creations to family and friends.

FUNERAL: Funeral Mass for Marcile will take place Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. from St. John Vianney Church, 6400 McCarty Rd. Saginaw, MI  48603. Fr. Richard Jozwiak to officiate. Private interment to take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, MI.

VISITATION: Family and friends are welcome to gather Wednesday, July 26, 2023 from 2:00 – 8:00 PM at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. Saginaw, MI  48603 with a Vigil for the Deceased taking place at 7:00 p.m. Visitation to continue Thursday morning at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of service.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to consider making a memorial contribution to Saginaw Eddy Band, the American Diabetes Association, or Toni and Trish (Hospice) House.

Deisler Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Cunningham family. Please share your thoughts and memories with Marcile’s family at the funeral home, church or by visiting www.DeislerFuneralHome.com