Mary Elizabeth Cunningham facts for kids

Mary Elizabeth Cunningham (born January 28, 1868 – died January 14, 1939) was an amazing Irish woman who dedicated her life to helping others. She was a kind philanthropist, meaning someone who helps people, and a dedicated war worker. Mary is best known for starting the Belfast Free Buffets and the Torpedoed Crews Fund, which both provided important support during difficult times. She received a special award called the CBE for her incredible efforts.

Mary Cunningham's Early Life

Mary Elizabeth Cunningham was born on January 28, 1868, in a place called Glencairn, near Belfast, in County Antrim. She was one of eleven children in her family. Her father, Josias Cunningham, was a successful stockbroker, someone who buys and sells shares for others.

Mary went to school in Belfast and also in Edinburgh, a big city in Scotland. During her school years, she became very interested in how schools and social services worked in Belfast. From 1895 to 1927, she volunteered as a manager at the Forth River School. This showed her early dedication to helping her community.

Helping During World War I

Mary Cunningham became very well known during World War I (1914-1918). She worked tirelessly with her sister, Sarah Catherine "Lallie" Cunningham, to help people affected by the war in Belfast.

Starting Important Funds

In 1914, Mary founded the Belfast Free Buffets. These buffets were places where wounded soldiers arriving back in Belfast could get free food and drinks. It was a warm welcome for those who had been through so much.

She also started and managed the Torpedoed Crews Fund. This fund helped sailors and others who had been shipwrecked, often after their ships were hit by torpedoes during the war. It provided them with much-needed relief and support.

Mary also worked with the Welcome Home Fund. She was a joint president, honorary secretary, and treasurer for this fund, helping soldiers return home after the war.

Her Role in St John Ambulance

From 1916, Mary was a demonstrator with the St John Ambulance. This organization teaches first aid and provides medical support. She also commanded a unit of the Voluntary Aid Detachment, which was a group of volunteers who helped in hospitals and provided nursing care during the war.

Throughout World War I, Mary Cunningham raised thousands of pounds to support the war effort and help those in need.

Recognition and Later Life

For all her hard work during the war, Mary Cunningham was awarded the CBE in 1920. CBE stands for Commander of the Order of the British Empire, which is a very high honor given to people who have made a big difference.

She was also a member of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, which studies old things and history. She was also a life member of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, which promotes farming and agriculture.

Mary Cunningham passed away on January 14, 1939, after being ill for some time. She died at her sister's home in Silver Springs, Templepatrick, County Antrim. Her life was a great example of helping others and serving her community.