Norma L. Cunningham, 94, of Vandalia, IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
Per Norma’s wishes cremation rites will be accorded. A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00PM, Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Hohlt & File Funeral Home, Vandalia with Pastor Krista Stokke officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM, Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Fairlawn Cemetery, Vandalia. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to The Fuller Center for Housing of Fayette County. Online condolences can be expressed at www.hohltandfilefh.com.
Norma Lorraine Wright was born on April 19, 1932, in Vandalia, Illinois, one of four children born to Floyd and Elsie Merle (Harris) Wright. She graduated from Vandalia Community High School and spent her life devoted to her family, her faith, and her community.
On December 12, 1954, Norma married Dr. George Richard Lawler. Together, they welcomed two children and shared 15 years of marriage before his passing on January 22, 1970. Norma later married Charles E. Cunningham on July 31, 1971. They shared nearly 36 years together until his passing on July 3, 2007.
Throughout the years, Norma worked a variety of jobs while raising her two children. She especially enjoyed her many years at Cains Drugstore, where she worked as a pharmacy technician.
Norma was a devoted and loving mother who was known for her generous heart and caring nature. She had a special fondness for the color pink and took great pride in her home and flower gardens, keeping both beautiful and immaculate. She loved hosting family gatherings in her home and cherished the time spent surrounded by those she loved.
Norma generously gave her time to Habitat for Humanity, now known as The Fuller Center for Housing. She enjoyed shopping, crafting, completing puzzles, and staying active through walking and attending Silver Sneakers at the YMCA. Over the years, she collected an assortment of treasured nutcracker figurines and antiques, including clocks and glassware.
Above all, Norma was a woman of deep faith. She was a longtime member of St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in Vandalia and found comfort and strength in her relationship with God. Norma will be remembered for her generous spirit, devotion to her family, love of her home and gardens, and the many ways she brought joy and warmth to those around her.
She will be forever remembered by her son, George Lawler and wife Michelle of Freeburg; daughter, Debora and husband Tom Zaffiri of Springfield; sister-in-law, Jeanne Lawler Hohlt of Vandalia; grandchildren, Brandon Lawler and wife Christie, Amy and husband Brian Rogers, Tommy Zaffiri and wife Alli, Brad Zaffiri and husband Matt Kurusz, Evan Lawler and wife McKenzie, Zoe Lawler, Elise Lawler and Liam Lawler; great-grandchildren, Keegan Lawler, Tilman Lawler, Nora Lawler, Barrett Lawler, Maddie Rogers, Penelope Rogers, and Tommy Zaffiri; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husbands; brothers, Don Wright and James Wright; sister, Erma Miller; and granddaughter, Christina Lawler.
Online Condolences & Obituaries available at www.hohltandfilefh.com
Arrangements by Hohlt & File Funeral Home – Burnam Crematory, Vandalia, IL
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