Glenda Eleanor Gillen Cunningham's Obituary
Glenda Eleanor Gillen Cunningham, 78, a beloved wife, sister, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025, following a short illness.
Born June 12, 1946, to Donald and Eleanor Gillen in New Orleans, and a longtime resident of Covington and Madisonville, Glenda enjoyed life to the fullest. She grew up in Jefferson Parish, playing with and surrounded by friends and cousins, forming bonds that would last a lifetime. She married Terry Cunningham, her husband of 32 years, and was a proud and loving stepmother to their children, whom she adored. Her nurturing and steady support left an indelible mark on their and their children’s lives.
A devoted lover of nature and animals, Glenda opened her heart and home to countless dogs and cats over the years, each one becoming a treasured member of her family and filling her life with wagging tails and muddy paws. Her love for animals extended beyond her home as she also took great joy in caring for and appreciating the wildlife that visited her backyard. Birds, deer, squirrels, and even raccoons were welcome guests in the sanctuary she created. Those who knew Glenda will remember her for her sense of humor, affable nature, generous spirit, and loving heart. She leaves a legacy of compassion, kindness, and unwavering love for her friends and family.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Terry Cunningham, her parents, Donald and Eleanor Fausterman Gillen, her brother-in-law, Joey Hefler, and her dear son, Vic Cunningham, all of whom she held close in her heart throughout her life.
She is survived by her daughters Valerie Semmes (Paul), Lisa LeBlanc (Dennis), and her son Garry Cunningham (Shelly), her granddaughters André Cooper St. Pierre (Steve), Gabrielle LeBlanc, and Jillian Cunningham, and her great-grandchildren Brianna St. Pierre, Kaleb St. Pierre, and Grayson St. Pierre. She is also survived by her older brother Jerry Gillen (Phil), her younger sister Patsy Hefler, her longtime friend Dottie Davis, her nieces Shannon Gillen Frugé (Bobby), Elayne Gillen Mesman (Glenn), and her precious dog, Odie.
She will be missed dearly, but her beautiful spirit lives on in every rustling tree, every bird’s song, in the memory of every animal that found a home because she cared, and most of all in the hearts of the family and friends she cherished so deeply.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at PAM Health Specialty and Rehabilitation Hospital of Covington and Dr. Tran for the exceptional care and support provided during Glenda’s final days.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial service on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 West 21st Avenue, Covington, Louisiana, with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM. Interment will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery, 4900 Airline Drive, Metairie, Louisiana.
E. J. Fielding Funeral Home of Covington, Louisiana, is honored to be entrusted with Mrs. Cunningham’s funeral arrangements. Her family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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