August 25, 1920 - March 22, 2020

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Frances Cunningham

Frances Cunningham 99, passed away with her daughter by her side Sunday March 22, 2020. She was a resident of Livermore, CA for the last 8 years. A native of Oakland, California, Frances was born August 25, 1920 to Croatian immigrants Anthony and Antoinette Depolo, the 5th of their 7 children. Frances graduated from Castlemont High School in 1939 and was recognized as an outstanding athlete. Her favorite sport was baseball and met her husband Carl Norman Cunningham in their senior year as he admired her athletic skills on the ball field. They were married May 2, 1945 following his return from WWII. In 1953 the family moved from Oakland to Danville, CA to raise their children. Frances could always be found at her Singer machine, sewing anything from dresses to draperies. She could also be found in the backyard teaching her then 6 yr old son how to play baseball. At 19 he was drafted by the Montreal Expos. They then made their home in Walnut Creek until retiring to the mountains of Foresthill, CA in 1981. Frances moved to Rossmoor, Walnut Creek following her husband's death in 1996. In 2012 she moved next door to her daughter in Livermore where they enjoyed daily and weekly activities together especially going to the hair salon, lunch at Emil Villas, and visits to the Livermore VA Convalescent Hospital. From Oakland Oaks Baseball to SF Giants, Frances found a new love in 2013 – the Livermore High School Varsity Softball team. She loved watching the girls play, sharing a passion for the game. Frances was thrilled to finally see girls awarded scholarships for their athletic abilities. The girls adopted her as their team “Grandma.” and had her own LHS Cowboy's cap and jersey with “GRANDMA #3” on the back. Frances was even interviewed by KTVU Channel 2 following a home game. She would often say “I feel like I'm home.” Frances's last game was March 4, 2020, and the girls' last words to her were “Thank you Grandma for coming to our game.” Frances always stepped aside to let others shine so it fills the family's hearts with gratitude to see the outpouring of love and attention she received from the Livermore Community. The family is also grateful to the staff at Quail Garden for the excellent care she received the last 3 yrs including friendships made with residents, visitors and volunteers. Frances showed unconditional love to her family and all the lives she touched. She was the most patient, kind, and pleasant person anyone could meet. Frances is survived by her daughter Susan Locke (Stan) of Livermore, son Mark Cunningham; Granddaughters, Julie Shumney and Heather Allen; Great Grandchildren, Jordan, Mallory, Conner, Jade, Brendan, and the most recent joy of her life, Great Great Grandson, Brooks. She also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews and half-siblings Margaret Guyer, Bruce, and Jack Follette. Frances was preceded in death by her siblings, Vincent, Anthony, Milan, Eugene, Mary, Mark, and half-brother Carl. The family wishes to thank St. Michael's Catholic Funeral Services for their patience and guidance. A celebration of life will be announced when we can all be together again to share in faith and love.

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