Finn Cunningham, or Lila, a name she had recently chosen for herself, was born on June 13, 2008 in Edmonton. On August 5, 2025, Lila Finn chose to end her journey in this physical world and took her own life at age 17.
In sharing this heartbreaking news with Lila’s friends and community, we heard the same words describe her over and over – kind, gentle, thoughtful and caring. That was our Lila Finn, right from the beginning. What child doesn’t squabble with their older sibling? Finn didn’t – that wasn’t their nature at all, preferring to keep the peace with big brother Colm. Even after blending into a larger family, Finn contentedly gave up their role as “youngest” and fully embraced two new siblings and the chaos that came with becoming part of a family of six. In Erin, they now had a sister and with Quin, a live-in best friend to share many goofy laughs and late night shenanigans.
Finn attended Suzuki Elementary School and became an accomplished flautist. The love of being part of a band community continued, with Finn playing during his years at Ottewell Junior High and into Strathcona High School, where they easily picked up another instrument, the saxophone. While they’d never admit it, playing in a band with Colm was a pretty great thing in Finn’s eyes.
Making music indoors during the winter was fine, but in the warmer months Finn loved road trips with their dad to hike in many Alberta parks, to explore Elk Island National Park, and recently, volunteering at stewardship events with Edmonton and Area Land Trust. Other hobbies included gaming and more gaming, sharing memes like it was an Olympic sport, being a contrarian with a sense of humour, loving the family dog Nellie the mostest and doing chores painfully slow, almost daring someone to hurry them along. Oh, and always being the last one at the table to finish dinner, contemplating that last bit of salad or casserole.
Lila could marvel at the small things, like the shape of a cloud or how the sun’s rays would ripple along the water. This ability to sit, be present, observe and listen without judgement made her a trusted confidante to many, and in Grade 9 she was selected to be a Peer Support Leader at school.
Among those left to mourn Lila Finn are her mom, Monica Lambert, dad Stu Cunningham, brother Colm Cunningham, stepmom Cheryl Lockhart, Lila Finn’s step-siblings Erin and Quin Bergman and grandparents Cliff and Rosemarie Cunningham and Larry Lambert, and many other loving family members and friends.
Lila Finn was preceded in death by her uncle Cameron Cunningham and grandmother Marion Lambert.
A memorial service for Lila Finn will be held at SSUC Spiritual Seekers United in Community at 11:00AM, Monday August 18, 2025 – 10740 19 AVE NW, Edmonton, AB.
Should you wish to make a donation in Lila Finn’s memory we suggest the Rainbow Alliance for Youth of Edmonton or Edmonton & Area Land Trust.
Hi I’m a transgender woman too. The loss of a good friend is hard and she will be in my prayers and the family during this hard time . Send hugs too the sky for you Lila Finn Cunningham.
I remember one day after elementary school, I went to her house to play with pokemon cards with Colm. We would make up the rules and overall just be kids having fun. I haven’t seen her since elementary but with being an old coworker and good friend with Colm, I remember all the kind words he would say of her. Many people will miss you Lila. May you rest in peace.
We hold you In the Light of God’s love, praying for your comfort and strength as we remember Lila Finn. With deepest sympathy, The Arthur Hyde family
Marlene and I express our sincere condolences to the entire family. Lila Finn sounds like a talented and thoughtful person who had much to offer to us all.
What a loss to our society.
Marlene and Neil Gourley
Our hearts break with yours.
Sending our love and deepest sympathy to Rosemarie, Cliff and all the Cunningham family.
We share your loss and pain.
Jan & David Neilson
I am a colleague and friend of Cheryl’s. My heart goes out to all of you. Lila Finn was so blessed to have such a wonderful family. Continuing to keep each of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Our sympathies are with you, Stu and kids. We are praying that you may have strength to cope with your loss”
My name is Atticus Garden, and he was a good friend in elementary school. Always caring and never afraid to help out, and he just got right in. We will miss you Finn.
Our hearts go out to you all!
So sorry!
Our love,
Vi and Gordon Cunningham