Joan (Cunningham) Cushman

Joan C. (Cunningham) Cushman, 85, passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at Saint Vincent Hospital after a brief illness.

Born in Hornell, New York, Joan always had a love for music and was a member of choral groups throughout school and church.  While in high school, she worked at a local radio station.  After high school, she lived for a time in Rochester, NY, working and studying vocal music, training to be a professional vocalist.

She moved to Manhattan and worked as an executive secretary for Trans Arabian Oil Company while also studying with famous Metropolitan Opera mezzo-soprano Thelma Votipka.

Joan became a talented opera singer, performing lead roles on stage in New York, and New Jersey during the 1950’s through the 1970’s.

She also continued to coach and give voice lessons to her own students.  When her own children were young, she would perform as an artist-in-residence at the elementary schools – sharing various songs at assembly programs.

Joan was an active member at St. John’s Catholic Church.  God and prayer were central in Joan’s life.

She is survived by loving husband Walter K. Cushman; children from her first marriage: Suzanne, Therese, Stephanie, and Mark; as well as step -daughters Linda and Susan, and by her eight grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her three brothers Bill, Joe, and Tom Cunningham.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Calling Hours for Joan on Sunday, September 20, 2015 from 4-6 PM at Graham, Putnam & Mahoney Funeral Parlors, 838 Main St., Worcester, MA.   The Funeral Mass will be on Monday, September 21, 2015; 10:00 AM at St. John’s Catholic Church, 44 Temple St., Worcester, MA 01604.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Catholic Relief Services or Society of the Little Flower.

Graham, Putnam & Mahoney Funeral Parlors is honored to be assisting Joan’s family with arrangements. 

 Service Information