Ruth Cunha

Ruth Berryman Cunha was born on March 24, 1918 in Lima, OH. She died peacefully in her sleep at age 96 on February 8, 2015 in Morro Bay, CA. She was the child of the late Waldo and Elizabeth Berryman and the third of four children. Ruth grew up in Lima, OH and Palo Alto, CA, later attending San Jose State Colleg In an early show of her independent nature she attended Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. She played violin in the orchestra and eventually became involved in chamber music at Stanford University; this opened up the opportunity to play in the Bach Festival in Carmel, CA. The handsome man sitting next to her in the violin section was Cliff Cunha. They quickly fell in love and married at the cusp of World War II. After the war, Ruth and Cliff ended up living in various towns in California and Washington state as Cliff pursued his teaching career, and Ruth busied herself raising their four children and creating an inviting home for the family. A child of the Depression, she was able to make much with little. She was an excellent seamstress, decorator, upholsterer, cook and gardener. She was devoted to her children and was always there to listen to, support and love them. Wherever she went, Ruth made friends easily and became involved in her church and in her children's activities including scouting, music and PTA. She also enjoyed teaching violin and viola to young people and sharing her home arts skills with interested family members. Ruth had a deep respect for nature. Family trips to the beach and the mountains were punctuated by her exclamations of appreciation for the beauty around her. Camping, birdwatching, wildflower gazing and hikes lakes, streams, and other scenic wonders delighted her. When Cliff retired, he and Ruth bought a motor home and enjoyed many years of travel including visits with grandchildren. Eventually they settled in San Luis Obispo, CA where they spent their final years exploring the Central Coast and in time celebrating nearly 69 years of marriage. Through those many years Ruth remained a strong, loving woman who was steadfast in her commitment to family, friends and faith. Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Clifford Cunha in 2011. She is survived by: daughter Barbara Clark and husband Kirk Brownell of Burlington, Washington, grandchildren Rachael, Kirk (Sandy) and Mark (Rebecca) and 13 great grandchildren of Washington; daughter Carol Maxwell of San Luis Obispo, granddaughter Lida (Japonica) and three great grandchildren of Boston; son William Cunha (Nancy) and grandson Devin of Templeton, granddaughter Linnaea of Spain; and son Clifford Cunha (Bobbie) and granddaughter Holly Gawlinski (Henry) of Idaho. A Celebration of Ruth's Life will be held later on this year. Donations in Ruth's memory can be made to The Audubon Society or California Native Plant Society.