Obituary of Joan F. Cummings

Joan F. (Sullivan) Cummings passed away Sunday, April 25th at Bay Path at Duxbury with her son Kevin at her side. She was 97.

Joan was born November 1, 1923 in Boston, MA to Edward H. Sullivan and Bertha L. (O’Hear) Sullivan. Joan graduated from Dorchester High School and attended New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. During World War II, Joan worked for the telephone company in San Francisco. On May 3, 1937, she married Thomas Edwin (Eddie) Cummings. They moved to Pembroke in 1953 where they built their home, and raised their family. They shared 45 years together until Eddie’s passing in 1992. Joan lived in Pembroke until 2017.

Music brought Joan much happiness and pleasure. Music from the piano or organ always filler her house. She taught piano for 15 years while raising her 5 boys. She was also the organist for St. Mary’s in Plymouth for 20 years followed by 20 years as the organist for St. Mary’s in Hanover.

Survivors include 5 sons: Thomas Cummings and wife Diane of Littleton, NH, Kevin Cummings and wife Joanne of Pembroke, Gary Cummings and wife Susan of Pembroke, Greg Cummings of Quincy and John Cummings and partner Sue Shiels of Hanson; 6 grandchildren: April Cummings of Philadelphia, Jason Cummings of Atlanta, Julie Cummings of Portland, OR, Elizabeth Cummings of South Boston, Michael Cummings of Charlestown, and Adam Davis of Pembroke; 2 great grandchildren: Natalie Cummings and Grant Cummings of Atlanta. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She especially enjoyed the weekly visits from her niece and Godchild Sheila Sweeney.

Joan was predeceased by her husband, Thomas “Eddie” Cummings, her infant daughter Carol Ann Cummings, as well as her daughter in law Jean (John) Cummings. She was also predeceased by her mother and father, six brothers and sisters: Dan Sullivan, Gertrude (Sis) Cotty, John Sullivan, Raymond Sullivan, Mary Galante, and Edward Sullivan Jr.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, May 2nd from 2-5:00 PM at the Shepherd Funeral Home, 216 Main St (Rt. 106) Kingston. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, May 3rd at St. Mary’s, 392 Hanover St, Hanover at 10:00 AM. Graveside services will follow at the Center Cemetery in Pembroke.