Lynette C. Cunningham

Dag Hammarskjold, who inspired many of us who dedicated our lives to the United Nations, once remarked, “we’ve got to learn hard things in our lifetime, but it’s love that gives you the strength. It’s being nice to people and a lot of fun and laughing harder than anything, hopefully every single day of your life.”

Our dear colleague and friend, Lynette, exemplified this more than anyone. She will be fondly remembered as someone who was always ready to help others, whether through her legal skills or just out of her generous, caring nature. In remembering her, we celebrate her role as a tireless defender of those who worked for the organization, as a colleague who was always ready to lend a hand and as a loyal friend. She had the universal respect of all of those who worked with her whether on the Staff Council or as a lawyer for the Office of the Law of the Sea. She was one of those dedicated career international civil servants who worked her way up from the General Service, pursuing a legal degree while working. It is her legacy to have left lasting friendships where ever she went.

Former colleagues and friends will recall that Lynette began working in what was then Conference Services, ending up in the Reference and Terminology Section where her prodigious language skills were put to good use. During his time, she attended New York Law School, got her degree, served as Editor of the Law Review and passed the bar exam. She also greatly enjoyed serving on mission as an Electoral Official In Namibia. When a G to P competitive examination was introduced for legal officers, Lynette took it, passed and was reassigned to the Office of the Law of the Sea in New York, where she continued until her retirement.

Another major focus for Lynette was her role as a staff representative. She initially represented Conference Services and later the Law of the Sea/Office of Legal Affairs in the Staff Council and also served on the Staff Committee as Vice President. It was a natural and easy transition to represent staff as legal counsel. She served for a number of years on the Panel of Counsel and many staff members were indebted to her for her dedicated service.

Those close to her will also recall her charming 18th century Dutch house in Jersey City where she resided for many years and her affection for animals, including a number of rescue dogs and cats who shared her home.

Lynette passed away unexpectedly on January 12th 2020 and was buried in a family plot in Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn. She will be greatly missed.