Obituary of Betty Cummings

It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Cummings passed away at the Sussex Health Centre on Saturday, November 18th, 2023. Betty was born in Saint John, NB on July 1st, 1943 to the late Elizabeth and Frank Coughlan. 

Betty was married to her deeply devoted and loving husband Michael Cummings of Sussex, NB for 52 years. Together they had three children Patti (Rob) Lister of Fredericton, NB, Janet Crealock of Fredericton, NB and Colin (Angela) Cummings of Quispamsis, NB. Nanny will be missed by her 13 grandchildren: Meredith, Isaac, Emma and Maria Hay; Erin and Meghan Crealock; Olivia, Michael, Addison, and Emily Cummings; Breanna and Kyra Lister. Betty was predeceased by her infant grandson Thomas Hay.

Betty is survived by her sisters Suzanne (Joe) of Moncton, NB, Carole of Saint John, NB, Joan (Phil) of Saint John, NB, and her brother Art (Lynne) of Port Coquitlam, BC. She is also survived by her in-laws Liz (Gordon), Lew, Walter (Glenda), Rosemary (Pat) and Gerard (Cheryl). She was predeceased by her brothers Richard (Patty), Tom (Joanne) and sister-in law Anne Cummings and brother-in-law Paul Cummings. She also leaves behind an abundance of nieces and nephews. Betty had many special friends throughout her life who made an impact on her and in particular during her long journey these last years.

Betty graduated from Teacher’s College in 1964 and began her teaching career at Saint John the Baptist in Saint John, NB. She went onto further her studies at St Thomas University earning a Bachelor of Teaching in 1969 and Bachelor of Arts in 1970. When Betty and Mike married, they moved to Bathurst, NB where she taught in Belledune Elementary School before welcoming their family. In 1981, the family moved to Sussex, NB where Betty joined the staff of Sussex Elementary School first as a supply teacher then as a full staff member. Betty loved each of her students and their unique characteristics.  She followed her students lives with great interest as they moved through life enjoying meeting them out and reconnecting. She retired while teaching grade 4 in June of 2002.

Betty was a member of St Francis Xavier Parish in Sussex. Betty loved all things Irish and fulfilled a life long dream of visiting Ireland during her retirement. 

Arrangements have been intrusted to Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB (506-433-1176). Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, November 26th, 2023 from 2pm - 7pm. A funeral Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, November 27th, 2023 at 11:00 am from Saint Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church. The family would prefer donations be made to the Ward’s Creek Cemetery fund.

The family wishes to thank her incredible medical care over the past 10 years. In particular in the past month: Dr. Andreani, Dr. Macken and the nursing team of the Saint John Regional Hospital 3NA & 3NB and the nursing team at the Sussex Health Centre.