Born August 24, 1949 in Kansas City, Linda Elaine Cunningham entered into heaven on January 31, 2014. She is survived by her sister, Patricia (Michael) Stohlman of Destrehan, LA, her brother George (Shelli) Hager of Lee’s Summit, MO. She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews, Sarah (Stephen) Stohlman-Zafirau, , Michael Stohlman, Jr.. Brett Hager, Nick (Becca) Montavy, Cami Hager, Lyndsey Hager, Wesley Zafirau, and Eleanor Zafirau. She is also survived by a host of cousins, many of whom she considered very close friends. She is preceded in death by her mother Fay Hager, her brother Joseph Eugene Cunningham, and her niece, Lindsay Stohlman.

Linda was a fiercely-independent super-woman who left Kansas City in 1972 and lived in Dellwood for the past 40 years. She worked as a telecommunications operator assistant at McDonnell Douglas, later Boeing, for over 30 years until retiring as an administrative assistant in 2012. While working there, she developed many long-lasting and treasured friendships. She was also known for her love of animals, especially her dogs Fred and Ethel, who will sorely miss their mother.

But on of her greatest joys came recently, in 2011, when she was elected Alderwoman in the city of Dellwood. She took great pride in having the opportunity to serve her neighbors and the community she loved. She was committed to improving the quality of life for the citizens of Dellwood, and would take seriously even the smallest of requests of any of her constituents. She was a truly devoted public servant.

Her nieces and nephews loved their “Auntie Linda” or “Auntie Lin,” not only for her generosity but also for her fun-loving and caring attitude. If Auntie Linda knew that there was a need for anything – from a favorite doll to making over 600 chocolate chip cookies as wedding favors – they knew they could count on her to do everything in her power to give them what they wanted or needed.

Her family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Don and Lisa Ackerson and Loretta Johnson, Linda’s dear friends and trusted comrades who helped her in so many ways.

A memorial service will be held at Dellwood City Hall (Directions) on Saturday, February 8 at 1:00. All those who wish to come and share in the joy of Linda’s homecoming are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the ASPCA and Habitat for Humanity.

Link to St. Louis Post-Dispatch story.