It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mary Ann English Cunniff who left her brokenhearted 

family on January 17, 2025.

The legacy of her love and kindness will long be remembered in the minds and hearts of so many.

She loved nothing more than spending time with her loved ones.

Her small acts of kindness to everyone she met left an impression, as she believed that it was more blessed to give than to receive.

She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 13, 1944, to parents she loved dearly, Florence and Michael English.

She was a 1962 graduate of John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls High School, where she excelled as the school basketball captain

and star player.

After high school, she worked with troubled teenagers at a Youth Development Center, spreading her kindness and compassion

to those who needed her love.

She met her loving husband of 56 years, Walt Cunniff, in Margate, NJ in 1963, which solidified her love for summers down the shore.

She was a devoted mother to her three children: Tim Cunniff (Roxanne), Mary Ann McPoyle (Kirk), and Michele Cunniff.

Her grandchildren, Caitlyn, Shane, and Ryan Orla, were her greatest joy.

She was her family’s biggest cheerleader, safe place, and constant source of wisdom. 

Mary Ann was the first person you called for guidance, support, or just to talk.

She had a quiet presence and a quick sense of humor, and always led by example.

Strong in her unwavering faith, boundless love, and unshakable strength, she was a true testament to grace and devotion.

She was a fierce fan of all Philadelphia sports and especially joy in attending her children and grandchildren’s sporting events

throughout the years. She could often be seen coaching from the sidelines and offering words of inspiration from the bleachers.

We find comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on through the lessons she taught us, the love she shared, 

and the memories we will cherish forever.

Family and friends are invited to gather at St. Martha’s Roman Catholic Church (11301 Academy Road, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) on Saturday,

January 25th for Visitation from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM.

Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem, Pennsylvania.

Arrangements under
the direction of

The John F. Givnish
Life Celebration Home

1 -800 - GIVNISH