Obituary of Sr. Jean Cummings CSJ

SR. JEAN CUMMINGS CSJ Latham- Sister Jean Cummings, CSJ, (Sister Jean Magdalen), 86, died Friday, November 15, 2013, at St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham, NY. Sister Jean had been a Sister of St. Joseph for the past 67 years. Sister Jean was born in Syracuse, NY, on July 23, 1927, daughter of the late John and Martha Schultz Cummings. She graduated from St. Brigid's Elementary School and St. Vincent de Paul High School, both in Syracuse. Sister Jean entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in Troy, NY, on March 19, 1946, and professed final vows on August 15, 1951. She completed her undergraduate education at The College of Saint Rose, Albany, and her graduate education at the Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI. For 24 years, Sister Jean was a teacher in schools of the Albany and Syracuse Dioceses, including St. James School, Albany; St. Agnes and St. Francis de Sales Schools, Utica; St. Pius X School, Loudonville; Our Lady of Solace, Syracuse; and St. Peter's School, Troy, where she also was principal. In addition, Sister Jean was a parish minister at St. Bernard's Parish, Cohoes. For nine years, Sister Jean served the Sisters of St. Joseph as assistant superior and superior of the retired sisters at the Provincial House. For the last 17 years of Sister Jean's active ministry, she was religious education coordinator and pastoral associate at St. Ambrose Parish, Latham. Sister Jean was a woman of patience, acceptance, joy and humility who spent her life in service to others. A dedicated and much loved teacher, she endeared herself to students and parents alike with her cheerful nature and sincere caring. In visiting the sick and elderly, Sister Jean brought her kind and empathetic spirit and her reassuring smile. In the classroom, the parish, the hospital and the nursing home, Sister Jean was tireless in her outreach and genuine in her concern. She will long be remembered for faith, her zeal, her compassion for the sick and suffering, and her love of family and friends. Sister Jean is survived by her beloved brother, Richard Cummings, of Parish, NY; several dear nieces and nephews and their families; many friends; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In addition to her parents, Sister Jean was predeceased by her brothers: Robert, Charles, John and William Cummings; and by many cherished friends in the Sisters of St. Joseph. Sister Jean's funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 20, at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel of St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham. Interment will be in Our Lady Queen of Virgins Cemetery on the Provincial House grounds. Calling hours will be held at the Provincial House on Tuesday, November 19, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Contributions in Sister Jean's memory may be made to the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110 Arrangements are under the direction of the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, Latham, NY