Obituary of Debra A. Cunningham-Smith

Canton – Calling hours for Debra A. "Pep" Cunningham-Smith, 59, will be held on Friday, August 19, 2016 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Lawrence Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 21 Park Street, Canton. Her memorial service will follow at 6:15 PM with Assoc. Pastor Donna Doig officiating. Debra passed away peacefully, while surrounded by family and friends on Tuesday, August 16th at Maplewood Campus, where she had been a resident since March of 2015. She is survived by her husband, Christopher Smith; step-son Spencer Smith; her brother, Michael Cunningham; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and many loving friends. Debra was predeceased by her parents. She was born in Canton on June 14, 1957, the daughter of the late, James & Marion (Haney) Smith. She was a 1975 graduate of Hugh C. Williams High School and received her Associate's degree from Canton ATC. In 1997, she earned her Bachelor's of Science degree from Empire State College. She later obtained a Realtor's License. Debra was wed to Christopher Smith on September 27, 1996. For many years, Debra was employed at the Riverside Liquor Store in Canton. She was also employed at Segar Real Estate as a realtor. After receiving her Bachelor's degree, Debra was hired by NYSARC as a Dayhab Coordinator. She found great joy and satisfaction working with her clients at the Gouverneur facility. In her free time she enjoyed catering with St. Lawrence University Dining Services. "Pep", a long-time vegetarian, had a passion for cooking and entertaining. She was known for her quick-wit, her love of animals and music. She will be greatly missed by so many. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of CNY, Walk for Alzheimer's North Country, NY, 441 West Kirkpatrick Street, Syracuse, NY 13204 or to Hospice & Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US Hwy 11, Potsdam, NY 13676. Condolences may be shared by visiting www.lawrencefuneralhome.org