Obituary of Laila Clare Cuddy

Laila Clare Cuddy, age 90, died peacefully on April 18th at Cooper University Hospital in NJ. She was born in Scranton, PA on October 9, 1933 and spent nearly all her adult life living in Auburn, NY. She was the daughter of Dr. Eugene Curtin and Katharine Megargee Curtin of Scranton, the fifth of seven children. She graduated from Trinity College in Washington, D.C., and had a Master’s Degree in Education from SUNY Oswego. She was married to her beloved late husband, the Honorable James G. Cuddy, for 67 years. They were devoted to each other and to their family. Laila was an elementary school teacher before devoting most of her time and energy to raising her six children. She worked part time as the Religious Education Director for Holy Family and Sacred Heart Parishes, and volunteered with various charitable organizations. Her Catholic faith was a big part of her life, and she served as a lector and eucharistic minister, as well as a Birthright volunteer. Laila was a founding director of Matthew House, a hospice facility in Auburn. She assisted Vietnamese immigrants with their integration to life in the U.S., and was a volunteer for the American Red Cross. Laila’s marriage to Jim was the center of her life. After Jim’s retirement, they spent time traveling to visit friends and family, picnicking at the lake, and enjoying winters in Florida. They were adored by their 18 grandchildren, who came to Auburn for “Camp Cuddy” in the summers in their younger years. She was a great role model for future generations in her love and dedication to family, and she passed on her passion for education. Laila was a renaissance woman who had many interests, including international travel, history, art, classical music, opera, politics, bridge and other card games. She was intellectually curious and loved to discuss different topics of the day. She was fearless well into her late 80’s in embracing new technology, with admirable patience and persistence. Laila was a wonderful chef and baker (and loved sweets). She will be remembered for her kindness to all, generosity, graciousness, quiet strength, calm demeanor, optimism, intellect, and beauty. Her loss is deeply felt by all who knew her. Laila is survived by her children Ann (John) Roda of Lancaster, PA, Martha (Paul) Van Cleve of Pasadena, MD, Kathleen (Robert) Herron of Portland, CT, Clare (Mark) Bulmer of Southampton, NJ, James J. (Suzanne) Cuddy of Cicero, NY, and Molly (Michael) Thompson of Mt. Laurel, NJ. She is also survived by one of her brothers, Fr. Vincent Curtin, S.J., of Baltimore, MD. She was predeceased by siblings Frances O’Brien, Eugene (Mary Jean) Curtin, Katharine (William) Quinn, Mary (Bernard) Smith, and Timothy (Ann) Curtin. In addition to her children and grandchildren, Laila had three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to express its deep appreciation for the dedicated service of the home health aides who assisted Laila in recent years. Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 3rd from 5 pm to 7 pm at Sacred Heart Church, 90 Melrose Road, Auburn. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church on Saturday, May 4th at 10:30 am, followed by interment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to the St. Alphonsus Food Pantry, c/o Sacred Heart Church, 90 Melrose Road, Auburn, NY. For more information, photos, or to sign the guest book, please visit www._https://farrellsfuneralserviceinc.com