With heavy hearts and cherished memories, we announce the peaceful passing of Gertrude Anna Mary Von Moos Cunningham. Known affectionately as “Dit” to her siblings and “GG” to her grandchildren, Gert passed away on April 2, 2024, at the age of 85. She was born on December 23, 1938, to Swiss immigrant parents, Joseph Von Moos and Rosalia Pfister Von Moos, who settled on Camano Island and Stanwood, Washington.
Gert was the youngest of six siblings and grew up surrounded by the love of her large family. In 1960, she married Don Cunningham, and together they embarked on a journey filled with love and laughter. They began their life together in Anchorage, Alaska, where their eldest daughter was born, before settling on Vashon Island, Washington, to support Don’s father’s business, The Vashon Tavern.
Their entrepreneurial spirit led them to purchase the Alibi Restaurant in 1963, and later, they built and operated the beloved Spinnaker Restaurant. After selling, they ventured into the food industry business with PRNW, a factory rep business, where you could still find Gert working the books at her desk until just a few months before her passing (she still contributed to her 401k account).
Gert was a dedicated mother to her three children, Diane Stoffer (Greg), Kelly Williamson, Jeffrey Cunningham (Connie), and an adored grandmother to her seven grandchildren, Michael, (Isabella), Tyler, Melanie, Nick, Quinn, Maia, and Jack. Her great grandchildren, Hazel and Bronson, brought her immense joy and pride. Gert also shared an enduring friendship with Joyce Smith, her best friend of 43 years. They shared many laughs and adventures together, especially during their regular gambling outings. Despite the passing of her beloved husband, Don, twelve years prior, Gert’s love for him remained unwavering, as she lit a candle by his picture every night.
Her family fondly recalls decades of trips to Lake Chelan, Thanksgivings in Suncadia, Christmas stockings, hours of puzzles, games of 10000, old Country hits, homemade chocolate chip cookies, and the cherished “monkey cup.” GG will be remembered for her infectious laugh, dry humor, love of gardening, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her legacy of love, strength, and resilience will live on through the generations she leaves behind. GG, we will miss you every day and cheers to your spirit with a cold glass of Carlo Rossi.
Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Von Moos and Rosalia Pfister Von Moos, Brothers Joseph and Paul Von Moos and sister Margaret “Mar” Campbell. She is survived by sister Rosemary (Dave) Edwards and brother Walter Von Moos and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held Saturday June 1st, 11:00am at St. John Vianney Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family graciously requests donations be made to the Foundation for Women’s Cancer (foundationforwomenscancer.org).
