Obituary of Judith Lynn Cunningham-Ridgeway

Judith Lynn Cunningham-Ridgeway, 69, of Vineland passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025 at Select Specialty Care at Atlantic City Medical Center. Born in Bridgeton to the late Donald W. Cunningham Sr. and Beatrice Woolley, she had been the wife of the late Paul J. “Butch” Ridgeway Jr. Judi had resided in Mullica Hill briefly and in Elmer in her youth, moving to Vineland around the age of 10. Prior to her retirement she had worked as the property caretaker at Buena Campground, a preschool teacher and pre school coordinator for Vineland Schools, and at the Heart House at Elmer Hospital for over 15 years, she was also a nurse and X-Ray technician for over 25 years. In her free time she enjoyed fishing, crabbing, gardening and anything that involved her being outdoors with nature. She also enjoyed crafting, she had an artistic eye being able to work across many mediums including, flower arranging and wedding cake design. Judi loved tending to her garden, enjoying her home grown Jersey fresh produce. She was well known for her Christmas cookies, often being asked to bake for many. Judi was also an animal lover, especially her dogs, Paulee and Maverick Judi was recognized as a hard worker at an early age. She entered the work force directly out of high school and had helped care for her family, helping to raise her brother, Raymond. She was known to her family as “the Great Protector” as she was fierce in caring for her children and grandson. She was a very involved mother and grandmother, serving her community as a proud Boy Scout and Eagle Scout mom and grandmother. Judi had unmatched strength, resilience and perseverance as she navigated difficulties and tragedies throughout life, always coming out on the other side. She was a deeply giving and compassionate person who always put others before herself. She is survived by; her son, Matthew I. Cunningham Ridgeway Sr. (Brienna Myore) of Vineland; her grandson, Matthew I. Cunningham Ridgeway Jr. of Vineland; siblings, Donald W. Cunningham Jr. (Camille) of Milmay, Debra Sprague (Robert) of Vineland and Raymond J. Cunningham (Martha) of PA; She was preceded in death by; her husband Paul J. “Butch” Ridgeway Jr.; children, Kenneth Raymond Cunningham, Baby Boy Cunningham and Karen Hogan Shaw; granddaughter, Ireland Gabrielle Cunningham Ridgeway; her parents, Donald W. Cunningham and Beatrice Woolley; step father, Fred Miller; step mother, Gloria Cunningham; favorite uncle, Wesley Woolley; mother and father in law, Paul J. and Vella Rridgeway Sr; brothers and sisters in law, Carlos Morris Sr. and Helen Morris, Herman Saunders Sr. and Emma Saunders; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 18th at 12 NOON at the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, 1107 State Highway 77, Upper Deerfield Twp. Friends will be received at the funeral home from 10 AM to 12 NOON prior to the services. Interment will take place at Cumberland County Veterans Cemetery in Hopewell Twp following the service. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website, www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.