Janet “Jan” Wold Cunningham, loving wife and mother, passed away on May 10, 2023.

Janet “Jan” Wold Cunningham, loving wife and mother, passed away on Wednesday, May 10 at age 90 in Florence, Oregon. She was born in Rice Lake, Wisconsin on Jan. 22, 1933 to parents Willie and Rena Wold.

Jan attended school in Chetek, Wisconsin and graduated in 1951 before going on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from the University of Minnesota in 1955. She was licensed by the American Society for Clinical Pathology and a member of the California Association for Medical Laboratory Technology.

Upon moving to California in 1955, Jan was employed by Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles as a Medical Laboratory Technologist.

On Aug. 2, 1957, Jan married Robert “Bob” Cunningham, a member of the Los Angeles Police Department. In 1960 they had a son, David, and in 1963 they welcomed daughter Lisa.

Upon relocating to Ventura, California in 1962, the family was active in Trinity Lutheran Church, making deep, life-long friendships. Jan continued her career as a Medical Laboratory Technologist at Community Memorial Hospital where she worked for 29 years before retiring in 1993 and moving to Florence, Oregon with her husband, Bob. 

Jan was a nurturing mother, instrumentally involved in her children’s development, education and interests. From helping with homework, to dancing, scouting, music and sports, she was supportive and generous with her time – a true testimony to her love for her family.

A woman of faith and the heart of the Cunningham family, Jan had a real zest for life. She loved music and was a talented singer and pianist. She also enjoyed reading, gardening, stitchery, walking with friends, poetry and travel, as well as making beautiful cards for family and friends.

In Florence, Jan was a member of New Life Lutheran Church and a good friend to all who knew her. She greeted everyone with a warm smile and easy conversation, which quickly turned acquaintances into friends.

Jan also donated her time to the Friends of the FEC (Florence Events Center), where she served as a volunteer usher and helped raise funds through coat check. Other volunteer roles include working with the Campfire Girls and leading classes at church for both children and adults.

In her last few years, Jan was a resident at Spruce Point Assisted Living in Florence. She loved the staff members who cared for her and made several new friends. She especially enjoyed working on puzzles with other residents.

Jan is survived by son and daughter-in-law David and Catherine Cunningham of Sun City West, Arizona, and daughter and son-in-law Lisa and Tim Escalante of Coos Bay, Oregon. She also is survived by sister Ingrid Rothenbuehler and brother William Wold and his wife, Claudia.

Preceding Jan in death and waiting to welcome her to heaven are her parents Willie and Rena Wold, brother Rodney Wold, who died as an infant, sister Patricia Thoni, niece Kaari Thoni and husband of 60 years, Robert Cunningham.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on July 8 at New Life Lutheran Church, 2100 Spruce St., Florence, OR  97439. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

• New Life Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, 2100 Spruce St., Florence, OR 97439
• Luther Park Bible Camp, 944 24 1/4 St, Chetek, WI 54728
• Friends of Florence Van, PO Box 598, Florence, OR 97439