Obituary of Dorothy Cummings

Dorothy (Kohler) Cummings, 96, of East Haven passed away January 1, 2024 at her home. She was born September 24, 1927 in New Haven to Bernard and Katherine (Beisler) Kohler. Left to cherish her memory are her four children, Peggy Cummings, Ann McCaughey (Bill), Judy Cummings and Paul Cummings along with two grandchildren, Shelley LeBlanc (Justin), Kevin McCaughey (fiancé, Victoria) and four great grandchildren, Lily, Emma and Miles LeBlanc and Payton McCaughey. She is also survived by her step-grandchildren, Erin Caouette (Bill), Bill McCaughey Jr. and Marisa Fanueff (Bill), step-great grandchildren Abby and Maisie Caouette, Madison, Brody, Cameron and Liam Fanueff, a sister, Frances Daly, sister-in-law Patricia Williams along with numerous nieces/nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, William "Bill" Cummings (2018) and siblings, Bernard Kohler, Kay Lawler and Eva Etzel and sister-in-law Dorothy Tarbell. Dodie would always share the wonderful memories of growing up in the Morris Cove section of New Haven, and with Tweed airport close by, it pulled at her heartstrings to take up flying. She received her pilot's license at the age of 17 (thanks to the permission of her father, when her mother later found out she said "Dorothy, nothing you do would surprise me"). She graduated from Hillhouse High School (with honors she would add). Her two favorite jobs were working at the Edward Malley Co. and at her Dad's store at Kohler Bros. She was a life-long member of St. Boniface Church in New Haven, volunteered at The Ronald McDonald House, Fort Hale Park and Nathan Hale School reunions. She loved to read, play the piano, do the crossword puzzle, swim and just have fun with friends and family. She was big fan of the Boston Red Sox, Yale football and proud of her German heritage. Dodie would much rather be throwing a softball than being in the kitchen but her brownies were always in demand. She led a remarkable life, touched many people and will remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know her. Family and friends are invited to meet and attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 11 AM in St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 385 Townsend Ave., New Haven. Burial will be private at a later date in St. Lawrence Cemetery, West Haven. All services are under the care of the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.