Sheryl Lyn Cunningham, also known through two previous marriages as Sheri Gilpin and Sheri Wright, succumbed to a long-standing illness on Feb. 4, 2012 at the age of 49. She was the devoted daughter of Susan Cunningham of East Wareham and Peter Cunningham of Plymouth.

She is survived by her parents, as well as two sons, Sean and Wesley Gilpin of Martha’s Vineyard, and two brothers, Peter Jr. of Stapleton, Ga. and Scott Cunningham of East Wareham. She is also survived by half-siblings Jennifer and Mark Cunningham, formerly of the Vineyard.

Sheri was born in Toledo, Ohio and raised in New Jersey, and had lived on Martha’s Vineyard since 1987. She graduated from Red Bank High School in New Jersey and attended college for two years to pursue an interest in special education, but was unable to continue due to illness. Years ago, as a nurturing single mother, she had been active in many children’s programs on the Island. Before her recent illness, she worked for a time in the radiology department of Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, and prior to that as a certified home health aid for the Vineyard Nursing Association. She was a former member of The Vineyard Assembly of God and attended church as she was physically able to do so.

Sheri was known by her many friends as being soft-spoken and kind and most especially as one who loved music, dance and the Patriots. She graced our lives with her beauty and a radiant smile for all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be remembered dearly in our hearts forever.