Elaine Cunningham

Elaine Cunningham (nee Boyle), 87, of Hamilton (Mercer) passed away on June 8th surrounded by loved ones in her family’s home in Bayville. Born in Rahway, Elaine lived in Edison until she entered religious life as a Dominican Sister of the Most Holy Rosary in Newburgh, NY. Elaine graduated from Villanova University and later served as an English teacher at St. Rose High School in Belmar, where she met her husband Kevin Cunningham. For over 40 years, Elaine dedicated her career to English education at St. Rose High School in Belmar, St. Mary Regional High School in South Amboy, and Mater Dei High School in New Monmouth, where she also served as Department Chairperson for English. Prior to moving to Hamilton in 2019 with her daughter and grandchildren, Elaine resided in Marlboro with her beloved husband, Kevin Cunningham, from 1973 until Kevin’s death in 2015.  

Elaine was not only an accomplished educator, she had also attained mastery of the English language: She published a punctuation guide that was sold nationwide, provided instruction at post-secondary secretarial schools, and edited doctoral theses. Elaine’s love of education extended into her background in theological research and delivery of Latin instruction during the final years of her career. With a lifelong appreciation of music and the arts, Elaine could play any piece of music by ear and could draw, paint, or sculpt with ease. Whether it was writing poetry, making art, working outside, shooting at the range, using power tools or making any number of household repairs, there was no challenge that Elaine did not face with enthusiasm and creativity.  

This passion was only matched by Elaine’s dedication to her family and her love for her husband, daughter, brother and grandchildren, Aedan and Keira – for whom she would move mountains. 

Elaine is predeceased by her father, John C. Boyle, her mother, Margaret Boyle (nee Vereb), her husband, Kevin P. Cunningham, and her brother Richard C. Boyle. Elaine is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Cunningham, grandchildren, Aedan and Keira Baker, and many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Elaine passed away peacefully with her daughter, nephew Russell Boyle, niece Christina Boyle, and grandnephew Colin Goodheart by her side. Services will be private. 

Mastapeter Memorial Home, 270 Atlantic City Blvd., Bayville, NJ 08721 is in charge of arrangements. 

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