Carolyn Maryclare Cunningham Onufrak

Carolyn (Caroline) Maryclare Cunningham Onufrak died April 3, 2014 in her home at the Greenspring Retirement Community in Springfield, Virginia, of complications from surgery performed on March 7, 2014. Carolyn was born on October 26, 1920 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Charles J. Cunningham and Clariece (Clara) Elizabeth Hendricksen Cunningham. Carolyn is survived by her daughter Helen Carole Onufrak of Arlington, Virginia, who is bereft at the loss of the best Mom ever. She was predeceased by her husband Theodore Frank Onufrak. Carolyn cherished her family members and friends. Survivors include her sister Helen Friendshuh of Edina, Minnesota; brother Charles G. Cunningham and special sister-in-law Kathryn Cunningham of Mendota Heights, Minnesota; and beloved nephew and niece-in-law Dennis and Christine Rudy of Washington, DC. Carolyn enjoyed being an aunt and great-aunt to all her nieces and nephews and their children. Holding a particularly warm place in her heart were niece Dawn Cunningham Ostrem, her husband Timothy Ostrem, and their children Karyn, Tommy, and Erik Ostrem, all of Eagan, Minnesota. In September 1941, Carolyn left Minneapolis to be a "government girl" in Washington, DC. She was hired by the United States Department of the Treasury where she worked for the next 41 years, retiring in 1982. Starting as a clerk in the typing pool, she rose through the ranks and retired as the Deputy Director of Personnel for the Departmental Offices. Carolyn was part of the first generation of women to have both a career and raise a child, and she excelled at both. Carolyn received many awards and accolades during her distinguished career, but was proudest of the many people she helped along the way. In retirement, Carolyn enjoyed researching her Norwegian and Irish genealogy, travel, and observing and discussing politics. She blessed her daughter by voluntarily choosing to move to Greenspring Retirement Community where she spent the last eight and a half years enjoying everything but the food. Carolyn will be remembered for her devotion to her family, attention to detail and excellent organization skills, great sense of humor, and delightfully bossy nature. Relatives and friends may call at Jefferson Funeral Chapel, 5755 Castlewellan Drive, Alexandria, VA on Sunday, April 6 from 3-5 pm. Visitation at Lakewood Cemetery Chapel Minneapolis, MN on Saturday, April 12 from 11:30 until time of service at 12 noon. Burial at Lakewood will follow immediately after. There will be a remembrance of Carolyn's life in the Washington DC area later this year. Memorials may be made to the Talking Book Program of the Access Services Branch of the Fairfax County Public Library at Fairfax County Public Library, Access Services Talking Book Program, 1200 Government Center Parkway, Suite 123, Fairfax, VA 22035-0012; or the Numedalslagen Lag of America, c/o Chet Habberstad, President, 25589 Anna Lake Road, Underwood, MN 56586.

Tributes

Carolyn Maryclare Cunningham Onufrak

October 26, 1920 - April 3, 2014