CALISTOGA

Irene Cunningham passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 15, 1921, to Mary Ellen (Finlay) and Denis Croke in Portlaoise, Ireland, the seventh of nine children.

Irene married Joseph Cunningham in 1952. They emigrated with their two young daughters, Carol and Charlie, to California in 1958, where the next year their son, Thurlough, was born. Irene's greatest joy was her family. After raising their children in the Bay Area, she and Joey retired to Yountville in 1985. In retirement, they particularly enjoyed wonderful trips home to Ireland and the UK, and time spent with their children and grandchildren.

Irene was preceded in death by her beloved husband Joseph. She is survived by her three children and their spouses, Carol and David Fonken of Austin, Texas, Charlie and Dirk Hampson of St. Helena, and Thurlough and Leticia Cunningham of Redwood City.

She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Erin, Brian and Laura Fonken, and Ian, Trevor, Conor and Emma Hampson. She is also survived by a brother, Thomas Croke, and his wife Rita of Dublin, Ireland, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Irene was deeply devoted to and sustained by her faith throughout her life. Recitation of the rosary at 11 a.m. will be followed by a funeral Mass on Friday, Dec. 7, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Calistoga. Those wishing to make a contribution in her memory may consider Catholic Charities USA at www.catholiccharitiesusa.org

Arrangements were cared for by Morrison Funeral Chapel, Napa Valley, 963-3536.