In Memory

Brian Cunningham - Class Of 1992 VIEW PROFILE

Brian M Cunningham passed away on July 26, 2023, at Multicare Valley Hospital from natural causes. Brian was born in Spokane, Washington on February 7, 1971, with cerebral palsy. He spent his early years in the care of St Anne's Infant and Children's Home and Catholic Family Services. When Brian was 10 years old, he befriended Sr Mary Hurley, SNJM, a Holy Names Sister who operated a home for disabled young men. Sr. Mary Hurley introduced Brian to her long-time good friend, Janice "Jan" Cunningham. Jan, already the mother of four adult children and eight grandchildren, became smitten with Brian and quickly offered to give him a loving and stable home. Within a year, Jan worked her magic with the Sisters at Holy Names and the Social Workers at Catholic Family Services and the State of WA, ultimately adopting Brian in 1982 and becoming his Mom.

In 1984, Brian and Jan traveled to Lourdes, France, with members of the Spokane Faith and Light Community. Everyone was praying for a miracle that would enable Brian to rise from his wheelchair and walk. This was a lifelong hope and dream of Brian's Mom, Jan, that unfortunately didn't happen on this earth. The true miracle during this trip though was that Brian began to talk and communicate with everyone he met. He became an instant celebrity everywhere he went, especially with the girls!

Throughout Brian's life, many people and organizations stepped up to provide services that greatly improved his quality of life. Shriner's Hospital performed multiple surgeries that gave Brian extra years of life. Dr. Russell Esposito, DDS, gave him a beautiful smile and the ability to eat and enjoy the foods he loved. Camp Lutherhaven provided many weeks of summer camp for Brian at Coeur d'Alene Lake. Brian's power wheelchair and speech therapy classes enabled him to attend regular school, where he graduated from Ferris High School in the Class of 1992. Following graduation, Brian began working for Nova Services in Spokane Valley, where he enjoyed his days being part of a team. Later in life, Brian helped deliver mail to residents at Riverview Retirement Community, always making friends with his big smile and happy disposition. Brian was a Seattle and Spokane sports fan through and through. He loved watching Seahawk and Mariners games, and then Gonzaga University Basketball. A highlight every summer for Brian was attending a Spokane Indians baseball game with his family.

Brian was a lifelong member of St Peter's Catholic parish. You could always find Brian and Jan seated in the same front right-side pew of the old church. Brian was preceded in death by his mother, Janice Cunningham, his brother, Jeffrey Cunningham, and family friend and roommate Johnnie. He is survived by his two sisters, Beverly Austin and Diane Boughton, and his brother, Dan Cunningham. Brian grew up with his ten nieces and nephews, Marc, Derek, and David Austin, Jen Lewis, Zack and Drew Cunningham, Sarah Boughton Petit, Megan Boughton Campbell, and Brian and Steven Cunningham, all of whom loved him very much.

The family thanks the wonderful caregivers and housemates at the Angel's Place Adult Family Home who made his life happy and meaningful in recent years following his Mom's passing. We also thank the caseworkers and guardians who provided many participation opportunities for Brian throughout the Spokane community. A special thanks go to the compassionate care given to Brian by the ER Nurses and Doctors at MultiCare Valley Hospital. Graveside services will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery on August 12th at 3:00 pm, with a "family and friends gathering" following at the Spokane Indian's Baseball game that evening at Avista Stadium. To leave an online condolence to Brian's family, please visit www.HennesseyFuneralHomes.com.

Published by Spokesman-Review on Aug. 6, 2023.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/spokesman/name/brian-cunningham-obituary?id=52635094





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