Patricia Jean (Bennett) Cummings

Patricia Jean (Bennett) Cummings gained her wings Saturday, January 23, 2021. She was born on October 29, 1932 in Holden, Massachusetts, the daughter of Warren Ames Bennett and Jane Anne (McClay) Bennett. Her father passed away when Pat was five years old and she was raised with her older brother, Richard Bennett, by their mother who was a RN, at a time when single parent households were not common. Pat's greatest childhood memories were the summers she would spend with her Grandma Mary, Grandpa Fred, and her cousins on their farm in Vermont.

Pat graduated from Salters Secretarial School in Worcester, MA, which led to a 10 year career in the insurance and manufacturing industry in Massachusetts and Michigan. She met the love of her life and her best friend, Vernon E. Cummings, at a USO dance at Ft. Devens in Massachusetts. They were married October 15, 1955 and shared 53 wonderful years together until his passing in 2008.

Pat had a tremendous love of all children, which began while she was a Nanny at the Cape in Massachusetts. After moving to Kalamazoo, Michigan, she worked as a lunchroom/recess supervisor for the Kalamazoo Public Schools for 23 years; first at Woodrow Wilson and then at Northeastern Elementary where she retired in 1995. She had an amazing bond with her grandchildren spending countless hours playing games, reading books, and taking walks. Pat volunteered many years for the schools as well as for the Eastwood Community Club; where she was a member.

Besides her husband, Vernon, Pat was preceded in death by her infant son, Craig. She is survived by her brother Richard, sons Ken (Tina), Don (Alica), and Doug (Julie) Cummings, many special nieces and nephews; grandchildren Angela (Eric) Fitton, Jessica (Erik) Irland, Erik (Amy) Cummings, Brett (Ashley) Cummings, Nicole (Ben) Ku, Alexis Cummings, Caitlin (Connor) Hughes, Tyler Cummings, Grace Cummings, and 8 great-grandchildren.

Pat will be remembered by her family and acquaintances as a loving, caring person who always saw the best in people. Cremation has taken place per her wishes. A graveside service is planned at Ft. Custer Veteran's Cemetery. We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the wonderful care our mom received at Friendship Village; first in Independent Living and for the last 6 years in the Health Center. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rose Arbor and/or Hospice of Southwest Michigan. To post a tribute or see Patricia's personal webpage please visit: https://www.langelands.com