Tammy L. Cunningham

Tamara L. "Tammy" Cunningham, 66 of Pekin having received the Sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away at 10:00 pm, Monday, December 16, 2024 at Carle Health Methodist Hospital in Peoria surrounded by her loved ones. She was born to John Vernon & Mary Louise (Castle) Leaver in Pekin on August 27, 1958. Tammy married David Cunningham at St. Joseph Church in Pekin on September 13, 1980. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Pam Wygle and Chris Spencer; and one brother, Todd Leaver. Tammy is survived by; her husband David; two sons, Matthew (Courtney) Cunningham of Naples, FL and Kristopher (Maggie) Cunningham of Springfield; two daughters, Ashley (Scott) Leecock and Lindsey (Kevin) Donohue, both of Charleston, SC; seven grandchildren, Liam, Andrew, Collin, Paige, Taylor, Leighton and Thomas; two brothers, Jeff (Chun) Leaver of San Antonio, and Mark (Dee Dee) Leaver of Pekin; and three sisters, Carolyn Rothstein of Bloomington, MN, Linda (Steve) Stephens of West Virginia, and Monica (Randy Rosas) Leaver of Pekin. Tammy was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin, where her love for the school ran deep. She sent all four of her children there, worked there while they were young, and most recently returned as a preschool aide. Her dedication was unwavering, with her last day spent doing what she loved on Friday, December 13. She spent most of her career working in the banking industry in Pekin until she retired in 2023. Tammy loved her work and treasured her family above all else. She was selfless and patient, always putting others first. Her dog Jasmine will deeply miss their morning walks, and her grandchildren will forever cherish the memories of their special sleepovers. Tammys days were filled with joy and purpose. She loved shopping trips with her best friend, dreaming up creative crafts for the kids at St. Joe's, and spoiling her grandkids with treasures she couldnt resist buying. She cherished every moment spent with her husband, her partner since they were 15, sneaking around on his motorcycle and building a lifetime of love together. No Halloween was ever missed without an elaborate costume, no scary movie was ever too scary and no prank went unpulled with her siblings. Her love for nachos was as big as her hair, and her heart was even bigger. May she rest in peace with some of her favorite people. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, December 20, 2024 at St. Philomena Catholic Church, 1000 W. Albany Ave, Peoria, IL with Father Luke Spannagel as celebrant. A visitation will be immediately prior from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, also at the church. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin. A gathering will be held after the burial at the Moose Lodge Back Room in Pekin at 4:00 pm also on Friday . In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School, 300 S. 6th St, Pekin, IL. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, December 20, 2024 1:00 PM St Philomena Catholic Church 1000 W. Albany Ave Peoria,IL 61604 Visitation Friday, December 20, 2024 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM St Philomena Catholic Church 1000 W. Albany Ave Peoria,IL 61604