Obituary of Sr. Marlene Cunningham, RSM
Sister Mary Marlene Cunningham, 85, a Sister of Mercy for 65 years, died on July 12, 2022. Sister Marlene was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey on June 30, 1937, and attended St Mary High School, Perth Amboy.
Sister’s first assignment was teaching first grade at St Matthew’s School in Edison. She was assigned next to St Joseph’s School in Keyport, and then to Holy spirit School in Perth Amboy in 1971. Then, she was appointed principal at St. Matthew’s where she served for four years.
Subsequently, Sister Marlene was then sent to St. Francis Cathedral School where she taught on the intermediate level and served as vice-principal for a year before being appointed principal, this time for a period of 17 years.
During that time, she spearheaded a dramatic increase in the use of technology. Computer and science labs were not always found in elementary schools at the time, but they were designed, enrollment increased, and before and after-school programs were instituted for students whose parents’ work hours exceeded school day hours.
During the next ten years, she served at Georgian Court University evaluating junior student teachers as a student teacher observer and supervisor. She was also the director at the Brielle Learning Center, assistant to the supervisor of Bay Head public schools, and assistant to the principal at St Paul School.
Sister Marlene has taught on all levels in elementary schools and received awards as an Outstanding Educator in Edison Township and in the Diocese of Metuchen.
In the most recent years, Sister has resided at St. James Convent, Red Bank, NJ, and served as an evening receptionist at St. Leo Rectory in Lincroft, NJ.
Sr. Marlene is survived by her sister, Margaret Cunningham, and her loving community of the Sisters of Mercy.
Visitation will take place in Immaculate Conception Chapel, at Mount Saint Mary, 1645 Highway 22 W., Watchung, NJ on Friday, July 15, 2022.
Wake: 9:00am -11:00 am
Welcome Home: 10:00 am
Funeral Mass: 11:00 am
Burial to follow at Holy Redeemer, South Plainfield, NJ
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, 1645 U.S. Highway 22 West, Watchung, NJ 07069.
