Popular Naselle Postmaster Laura Cunningham has retired after nearly four decades with the U.S. Postal Service.

NASELLE — Laura Cunningham, the well-liked and respected Naselle postmaster, retired on Monday, Feb. 26 after more than 37 years with the U.S. Postal Service.

“I had 27 career years with the postal service, and before that I had what is called a Highway Contract Route, or HCR, where I delivered mail for 10-and-a-half years,” Cunningham said. “The HCR time doesn’t count toward my retirement, but all in all I’ve worked for the postal service for over 37 years.

“I started with the HCR in Oregon, and I delivered to Cloverdale, Neskowin, Hebo, Grand Ronde and then back to Cloverdale. When a position opened up, I became a PTF, which is a part-time flexible clerk, at Pacific City, Oregon. As time went on, I became the postmaster at Pacific City and later transferred to become the postmaster at Hebo. The Hebo office went to four hours in the reorganization, so I had to find another job. Luckily, I found the beautiful town of Naselle. I’ve been here for the past 10-and-a-half years.”

When asked what her plans are following her retirement, she responded, “I’m going to take care of my mom, who’s 86, spend time with her and my kids in Portland and Tillamook, visit a one-year-old grandson in South Dakota, do a little traveling and just have some fun. I currently live in Astoria. Eventually, we might move to South Dakota where the grandbaby lives. I’ll just have to see where life takes me.”

When queried about her replacement, Cunningham noted, “Kari Wiegardt, who’s from South Bend and lives here in Naselle, will serve as the interim postmaster until the position is filled. Because she lives here in Naselle, it’s a win-win for the postal service since they don’t have to pay mileage, per diem or hotel service. The postal service will put the position up for bids and applicants will have to apply for it.

Postal carrier Lori Hamp said, “It’s been an honor to work with Laura. She was a really good boss and supervisor, and we are going to miss her.”

Holding back tears, Cunningham said, “The customers have been wonderful and are just awesome. I received the most beautiful thank you card, I’m going to miss everybody. Naselle was a good place for me.

“I know I’m leaving it in good hands with Kari and Suzie (Whalen) and they will take good care of all of our customers.”