Veronica Catherine Cunningham, (Kay), died peacefully in her sleep on Sept. 13, 2012. Kay was residing at the Haven Memory Care Unit at the Lodge at Otter Creek in Middlebury, Vermont; having moved there in December of 2010. The wonderful and dedicated staff at the Haven provided exceptional care and was of great comfort to her. In her final weeks she was also cared for by the devoted and loving staff and volunteers of the Addison County Home Health and Hospice. Born on March 14,1927 in Schodack Landing, New York, Kay was the daughter of Henry Van De Wal and Mary Nolan Van De Wal. She graduated in 1944 from Castleton High School and went on to get her teaching degree at SUNY Potsdam, graduating in 1948. She then began her teaching career at Corinth Central schools. In 1959 she moved to the Kinderhook, NY area and spent most of her life there, teaching 6th grade at Ichabod Crane Central school, retiring in 1991 after 32 years. Mrs. Cunningham influenced countless children from the greater Kinderhook Valatie area and it was a rare occurrence to be out in that area with her and not hear her say "that was one of my students. Kay was married briefly in the late 50's but chose a single, independent lifestyle soon after, spending her time between her students, many friends, her sister's extended family and her beloved pets. For years she enjoyed the company of a loyal German Shepard (or two) and always a loving cat. Spending time with her many nieces and nephews and their growing families was one of Kay's favorite pastimes. She was a long time, active congregant of the St John the Baptist Church in Valatie. She loved gourmet cooking and music. She would often be heard playing the organ at St John's Church for many of the church activities. Kay loved to travel and over the years spent time in Ireland, Greece, Egypt and many other locations. She spent the last two years in Vermont near the home and care of her nephew Michael Newkirk, his wife Christine and their four children. Kay (or Aunt Katie to family), is also survived by nephews Thomas H. Newkirk of Freehold, NY, David Newkirk of Hudson, NY, and George Newkirk (Debbie) of Niverville, NY, and nieces Veronica Turner (Roger) of Whitehall, NY and Elizabeth Holton of Albany, NY, along with many great and great-great nieces and nephews, all of the Newkirk family. Kay is predeceased by her parents, her sister Mary Bernadette (Bunny) Newkirk and brother- in-law Thomas E. Newkirk, and a special niece, Mary Jean (Jeanne) Carpenter. There will be a memorial service followed by a gathering of friends and family at St. John the Baptist Church in Valatie, NY on Saturday, September 29that 1:00pm. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers can be made to the Addison County Home Health and Hospice or the Columbia County Humane Society.