Lisette "Lisa" Cunningham died peacefully Friday, May 18, 2007, at the Eliot Healthcare Center in Natick, following a long illness. Born in New Orleans, La., she was the daughter of Malcolm and Aurora Cunningham of Ashland. She had moved as a child to Framingham, where she attended public schools and graduated cum laude from Framingham State College with a degree in psychology. She was employed as a social worker at Pathways in Westborough and MetroWest (Wayside) in Framingham. Ms. Cunningham was an inspiration to her son, Nicholas, whom she adored. A caring and generous mother, daughter, sister and aunt, she will be long remembered for her courage and indomitable spirit in the face of the many adversities brought on be her declining health. In her lifetime, she found great pleasure exploring new horizons, planning family gatherings and reading. Besides her parents, she leaves her 10-year-old son, Nicholas; her brother, Carlos "Charlie" Cunningham and sister, Lydia Cunningham-Grehn, and their spouses Bree Cunningham and Gregory Grehn; and three nephews. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, May 22, at 9 a.m., at St. Cecilia's Church, 54 Esty St., Ashland. A private burial will follow. Visiting hours are Monday, May 21, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Materese Funeral Home, 325 Main St., Ashland. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home.