Obituary of Freda Cunningham

It is with deep love and sadness that the family of Freda Pauline Cunningham announces her passing on August 11, 2025, at the Kiwanis Nursing Home at the age of 88.

She was born in Weston, Nova Scotia, on September 26, 1936 and was the daughter of the late Gordon and Eva (Illsley) Lisson and the beloved wife of the late Gordon Cunningham, who passed away in 2017.

Freda’s life was filled with joy, adventure, and friendship. She treasured every moment spent at the camp—whether it was Five Points Camp, Doherty Hill Camp, or later Parlee Brook Camp. She loved clogging, bowling, and cross-country skiing, and in her younger years could often be found spending her weekends at Martin Head.

She was happiest surrounded by family, friends, and laughter. Freda enjoyed a good game—especially cards like 45s and 31, and three daily games of cribbage with Gordon (though she would be the first to admit she rarely won). She had a special love for cats and dogs, and her warm, welcoming nature meant she made friends easily. Freda was a caregiver at heart, a wonderful mother and always willing to help and happy to spoil her grandchildren—taking them to the park, to Pizza Delight for garlic fingers, and playing Chinese checkers, steeplechase, and Monopoly.

Freda was a hard working woman who retired from the Bank of Nova Scotia after 20 years of service, but she couldn’t stay idle long and worked as a bookkeeper for John Dysart Ltd for 13 years. She was a member of the Trinity Anglican Church, Sussex Senior Club and Thursday Night Bible Study Group.

Freda filled her days with simple joys—picking blueberries, sewing, knitting, crafting, and sharing coffee with her friends. When she lived on her own, she had an unshakable habit of offering food to every visitor, she would ask several times in fact, just to make sure that no one ever went without. Her warm heart, gentle smile, and kind words touched everyone who knew her.

Freda will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Karen Colpitts, and her husband Ralph of Wards Creek; her sister, Bertha Stockton of Ontario; her grandchildren: Dominick Colpitts (Erin) of Mount Middleton, Darcie Jonah (Mitchell) of Norton and Denise Colpitts (Christa) of Saint John; her great-grandchildren, Austin, Blake, Micah, Eli, and Luke; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents and loving husband, Freda was predeceased by her brothers: Donald Lisson (Joan) and Kenneth Lisson (Doris); her brother-in-law, Vernon Stockton; her nephew, Stephen Lisson and her niece, Sharon Lisson.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex. A celebration of Freda’s life will be held from Trinity Anglican Church on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

If you are considering making a memorial donation the family has recommended a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com.

Freda’s life was one of kindness, generosity, and love—and those who knew her will carry her memory in their hearts forever