Patricia Eileen Cunningham

Patricia Eileen Cunningham, was a kind-hearted, tenacious woman with a contagious smile and a perpetual twinkle in her eye. It has been said many times; she never met a stranger. Truer words could not have been spoken, if she considered you a friend, you were a friend for life. She valued and nurtured friendships as master gardeners tend to their plants.

Patricia passed away on February 27, 2025, at the age of 68 in Royal Oak, MI. She was born July 19, 1956, to Jim and Lois Cunningham as the sixth child and fourth daughter.

Patricia was known by many names; Patti, Pat, Aunt Pat, and PC. She was the loving spouse of Kelly Corbett, dear sister of Frances (Nick), James jr., John (Nancy), Susan, Mary, and Thomas (Cheryl).

Patti was deeply loved by many nieces and nephews; Jim III, Kristin Molnar (Rob), Charles Tiefry (April), Sarah Hebert (Tim), Amy Hicks (Jeff), Erik Reister, Patrick Cunningham (Amanda), Peter Reister (Amanda), Bryan Cunningham (Amy), Ross Cunningham (Jordan) as well as nineteen great nieces and nephews.

Patti grew up in Detroit on the lower east side and attended St. Martin of Tours grade school. She later moved with family to Grosse Ile and attended Grosse Isle High School where she graduated. Patti then attended Western Michigan University.

Patti was a much-loved family member and brought fun and laughter to all of her family. Her kind and loving spirit will be forever missed by all who knew her.

For over 25 years Pat was a talented and committed softball player, coach and manager. Her career began in Southgate, MI in the Women’s league playing for Melton Motors as a teen. This was just the beginning of her bright and larger than life softball image.

Pat’s skills at first base were only eclipsed by her joyful attitude, desire to succeed, and outstanding leadership. So many hours of work and play with smiles all around as Pat lead the team with love and commitment.

As her softball career progressed the team gained sponsorship and followers by Lucidi's Lounge traveling throughout the Midwest, competing at the highest level of USSSA softball. Pat became a pitcher, serving up fun and a festive atmosphere everywhere the team played.

Throughout the 70’s and 80’s Pat played, coached and managed some of the best performing slo-pitch softball teams in the U.S. She was recognized locally and nationally, and in 1991 was inducted into the Michigan Slo-Pitch Softball Hall of Fame.

Pat’s accolades were only surpassed by her love of the game and the multitude of lifelong friends made though softball. She was the player, coach and manager that people were drawn to. Pat’s joyful and outgoing personality was ever present, as was her desire to excel and succeed. Her softball family included teammates, coaches and competitors and she was loved by all.

Indeed, the world is dimmer without her bright and everlasting light. The snap of the ball on leather will just never be the same.

Thanks to her sister Fran, in 2009 Patty joined a fellowship that encouraged her to grow and develop in ways she hadn’t previously. She flourished in this fellowship due in part to her hard work, the support of one special person, and the wisdom of those that came before her. Her membership spanned 15 ½ years. It was in this fellowship that PC met her bride to be. Although they did not know it at the time their love would be everlasting.

On 2010 PC “retired” from a 30-year career at BCBS. She helped develop and implement the customer service call center which she led for many years. She worked her way thru the ranks and landed in underwriting where she found her calling. She was respected by management, managing agents, and co-workers alike.

PC, Patricia, Patti, Pat, Mayhem lived life large and never met a stranger. She had a way of putting you at ease and making you feel like you had been friends for years rather than minutes. Her wit was quick, and her laughter was contagious. She rarely went out and about that she didn’t “see” someone she knew. And, if you were any type of a celebrity or star you quickly found out that you would be taking a selfie with PC. “No” was just not an acceptable answer to her, just ask the Mayor of Detroit or the Governor of Michigan.

In 2012 and 2013 PC helped design, build, and open Lafayette Laundry in Detroit, MI. Although we were met with a wary eye in Lafayette Park, PC led with love and always said to staff we would “do the next right thing” and treat customers respectfully. We had a successful business and sold it in 2018 to enjoy life.

Patty LOVED the city of Detroit and was an ambassador shouting the city’s praises and accolades loudly and proudly. She loved living back in the city, claiming she was “just a kid from the eastside” and was back where she belonged. She attended every event in the city she could and supported other small businesses enthusiastically.

In 2019 PC married Kelly, the love of her life and vice versa. Both Cancer’s with the same birthday it was a match meant to be. Their love spanned 15 years with many adventures, laughs, household moves, successes, and challenges. The constants in their relationship were love, honesty, communication, and the fellowship.

PC has left a legacy that will not be forgotten. She has left behind her wife, family, friends, former teammates, coaches, competitors, and acquaintances that carry a myriad of beautiful memories we shall cherish forever.

My love, “May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, and may the rain fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand." KAC