Colleen (Cunningham) Petruso

Colleen (Cunningham) Petruso, 72, of Liverpool, NY, passed away on September 9, 2014, in the 20th year since being diagnosed with Alzheimers type dementia.

Born in Union City, the daughter of Robert and Marian (Gilson) Cunningham of Riceville, Colleen resided in Liverpool, NY, since 1968.

Colleen graduated from Union City High School in 1959 and attended Allegheny College. After the birth of her fourth child, Colleen enrolled in the State University of New York at Oswego, earning her Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education in 1972 and a subsequent Masters Degree in Reading Education. She taught in Liverpool, NY schools for twenty-five years, until forced to retire due to her illness. When not pursuing further course work in the profession she loved, Colleen found pleasure in reading, presenting at local and state reading conferences, traveling, and spending time with the only grandchild who has memories of her when she was well. She also enjoyed time aboard the family sailboat and was a member of the Fair Haven New York Yacht Club.

Colleen is survived by Richard, her husband of 53 years; sons Richard of Townville and Brian (Liana) of Stamford, CT; and daughters Kelly Fletcher (Scott) of Manlius, NY and Tracy Petruso (William DeAllaume) of Chicago. Also surviving are a sister, Marilyn Warren of Meadville, a brother Robert Cunningham (Ann) of Atlanta, and nine grandchildren.

There will be no calling hours.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary of Grace Roman Catholic Church, 1085 Water St., Meadville, on Saturday, September 13, at 11:00 AM with Fr. Matthew Kujawinski officiating.

Colleen will be laid to rest in St. Brigid Cemetery, West Mead Twp.

Memorial contributions may be made in Colleens name to Alzheimers Association of NW PA, 1128 State Street, Suite 301 Erie, PA 16501 or Alzheimers Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601, for early onset research.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville.

Share your condolences at www.miznerfuneralhome.com