Joan Loletta (Browder) Cunningham, St. John resident, passed away January 15, 2011 at Pullman Regional Hospital. She was 85. A Memorial Service is being planned for a later date. Joan was born July 2, 1925 in Spokane, Washington. She was the youngest daughter of R. Van and Vera E. (Regan) Browder. Her mother called Joan her little firecracker. Joan grew up in Oakesdale and graduated from high school there in 1943. She worked in the post office prior to her marriage to Harry D. Cunningham on January 19, 1947. They were married 51 years. They lived in Oakesdale until 1964 when they moved to St. John, Washington. Harry passed away in 1998. Joan continued living in St. John until her health forced her to move into assisted living in Pullman about four years ago. She loved reading and did wonderful embroidery needlework. She embroidered many pillowcase sets and tablecloths. One of her biggest adventures was traveling by train in 1943 with her grandfather J.J. Browser to Tennessee. She met the Browder relatives and visited her father's birthplace, Sweetwater, Tenn. They continued on to Miami before returning to home. She did not fly until a trip to California in her 60's. Joan was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Phillip and David, sisters Betty and June as well as her husband. She is survived by her two children; daughter Kathy and Al Whiteside of Cheney and son Dan and Sharron Cunningham of Colfax as well as several nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorials to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com
Bruning Funeral Home, Colfax, is caring for the family.