Joanne L. Cunningham

Joanne L. Cunningham, age 79 of Smithfield, VA, formerly of Conneaut Lake, passed away Saturday morning February 21, 2026, in Marcello Post Acute, Hampton, VA.

She was born in Meadville on April 30, 1946, a daughter of William C. and Jean Kellogg (Horton) Saulsbery.

She was a 1964 graduate from Conneaut Lake High School and attended business school in Geneva, NY.

On November 11, 1966, Joanne married Frederick M. Cunningham, Sr., he passed away December 6, 2019.

Joanne began her professional career in October 1965 with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, DC, serving as an administrative assistant to the FBI agents.

She continued her professional career in the administrative field, specializing in office management and Human Resources. She worked in many locations due to having to relocate along with her husband for his military career.

She was a member of Our Lady Queen of America’s Church where she was a former choir member and altar rosary society member. She was a member and past Queen of Daughters of the Nile. She enjoyed crafting, gardening, and assisting with the church’s youth groups along with her husband. She liked to travel and her and her husband were able to travel all over the country during his career in the Marine’s, and then later with their work with the Shriner’s of North America and the Daughters of the Nile.

Joanne was a life member of the Girl Scouts of America, something she was very proud of, even having a license plate holder that said, “Yes I’m still a Girl Scout” framing her personal plate “Smores”. She started as a troop leader and continued in that role until her girls, who started as Brownies, graduated high school as girl scouts. She was involved in several committees and councils through these years. Upon moving to Conneaut Lake, she became involved with the local girl scout council for many years.

She is survived by a son, Frederick M. “Freddy” Cunningham Jr. and his wife Bonta’ of Smithfield, VA; three sisters, Carol Saulsbery, Wendy Saulsbery, and Susan Saulsbery all of Conneaut Lake; three brothers, James Saulsbery of Jamestown, Patrick Saulsbery and his wife Sally of Charlotte, NC, Michael Saulsbery and his wife Karen of Cranberry TWP., PA; two grandchildren, Joshua Bulls and Marisa Cunningham; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and her daughter Katie Lee Cunningham.

Family and friends will be received at ROSE AND WAID FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY INC., 12422 CONNEAUT LAKE RD., Conneaut Lake on March 28, 2026, from 12-1 PM. A Memorial Service will be held at 1 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers Memorial contributions may be made to: Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 1645 W. 8th St., Erie, PA 16505, Donation Link: https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/give/716725/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=shrinerschildrens&c_src2=ways-to-give or to the Girl Scouts of USA (Western PA) Donation Link: https://gswpa.wufoo.com/forms/your-gift-today-is-an-investment-in-her-future/

Condolences and memories can be shared at www.rosefh.com.

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