Kathleen Cummings

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KATHLEEN ELISE CUMMINGS was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Ivy Bradshaw on December 15, 1931. Kathleen attended public school in Cambridge and graduated from Cambridge High and Latin School (now known as Cambridge Rindge and Latin School). Upon graduation, her desire was to become a nurse, but the circumstances of that day and time did not afford her that opportunity. Instead, she attended Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School which prepared her for various jobs in an office environment. She utilized her administrative skills while working for the State of Massachusetts, and later for the City of Cambridge as an Accounts Payable Specialist until the time of her retirement in 1992.

In 1955, she married her life partner, Cecil Cummings, and they enjoyed 61 years of holy matrimony until his passing in 2016. From this union, Deborah and Karen, who were affectionately known as “the girls” were born. Although she had just two biological children, there are many others who she considered her sons and daughters.

Kathleen lived on Glendale Avenue in Somerville, MA, for 70 years. She was known by her neighbors for her snazzy outfits and hats that she wore as she left for church each Sunday.

Kathleen gave her heart to the Lord at an early age and was a faithful and active member of Pentecostal Tabernacle where she worshipped her entire life. She followed in the musical footsteps of her mother who was the church organist and Kathleen served as the church pianist for over 25 years. Her extraordinary musical talent was on display as she played the hymns “by ear”.  She was affectionately known as Mother Cummings as she provided guidance and support for many younger members of the congregation. On Sundays after church, she could be found sitting in the pew sharing her life experiences and wisdom with those she considered her sons and daughters.

Kathleen was a world traveler. She and Cecil traveled extensively throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Canada and Europe. Whether by ship, car or plane, she was always ready to go. They would barely return from one trip before they would be planning the next one. She truly enjoyed the trips that they were able to make with their children and later the grandchildren. In her later years, Kathleen looked forward to being a “snowbird” when she escaped the cold, harsh, New England winters to spend time in warm, sunny Phoenix, Arizona with her daughter, Karen.

In addition to her love of travel, Kathleen was a sports fanatic. The family knew not to disturb her when she was watching the Celtics, Red Sox or Patriots as she took on the role of coach, armchair quarterback or umpire. A little-known fact is that she was a cheerleader and also ran track in high school. 

On October 1, 2025, Kathleen answered God’s clarion call from labor to rest. She leaves to celebrate her legacy her loving children: Deborah Plummer (Kenrith) and Karen Yearwood; two grandchildren: Kendra and Matthew Plummer (Ninotchka) and a host of other relatives, friends and church family.  She will be greatly missed by those who will be forever grateful for the opportunity to have known such an amazing woman of God.

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