WILMINGTON — Susan “Sue” Cunningham Paterson, a beloved member of the Wilmington, NC community, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, at the age of 77, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born on April 9, 1949, in Columbus, Georgia, Sue brought light and love to all those around her throughout her remarkable life.
Sue was the cherished daughter of the late Dale and Vivian Cunningham. Her early years were spent in Columbus before moving to Wilmington, where she attended New Hanover High School. Her warm smile and infectious laughter endeared her to many friends and family members.
Sue began her career as a devoted homemaker, caring for her family with unparalleled love and dedication. Her professional journey was varied and full, working in many different fields, until Sue found her passion serving as a children’s nutritionist at Roland Grise Middle School, where she ran the beloved snack shack until her diagnosis in December 2025. Her dedication to nurturing young minds and bodies was evident to all who knew her.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Sue was a woman of vibrant interests. She had a green thumb and was known for cultivating the best yard in the Lake Forest housing development. She found joy in the simple pleasures of walking along the sandy beaches, her spirit as free as the ocean breeze. An avid reader, Sue delighted in books of all genres, finding solace and adventure within their pages. Music was another of her passions; she was a fervent supporter of local live music, cheering on her two former husbands and later her son at gigs. Sue was often the life of the party, dancing with abandon and spreading joy to everyone around her.
Sue’s wicked sense of humor was one of her defining traits, bringing laughter and levity to those fortunate enough to share in her company. Her love for dragonflies became a family legacy when she got a tattoo of the winged creature at age 60, inspiring others in her family to follow suit.
Sue is survived by her loving children, Kim Balderson and Danny Hutchinson (Jenn), and her adored grandchildren Caroline, Christopher, Cameron, Blake, and Chloe. She also leaves behind her dear niece Beth and her husband Abe, along with their son AJ. Her presence will be deeply missed but forever cherished by her family and friends.
A private family gathering is being planned to honor Sue’s memory. The family kindly suggests donations in her name to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, whose compassionate care provided comfort to Sue and her family in her final days.
As we remember Sue, let us celebrate the beautiful life she lived and the indelible mark she left on our hearts. She will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by all who knew her.
