Anita R. Cummings

LEWISTON — Anita R. Cummings, 93 years young, passed peacefully Thursday, Nov. 16, joining the love of her life, Donald R. Cummings.

She lived on Highland Terrace in Mexico, in a rambling farmhouse which became the gathering spot for family both near and far. Born in Norway on March 12, 1924, she was the daughter of Edwin and Esther (Nickerson) Richardson. During high school, Anita enjoyed serving ice cream and food at Ashton’s Drug Store. She was a graduate of Norway High School. Following her graduation she worked for the clerk of courts in South Paris. Anita was married to Donald R. Cummings in Victoria, Texas, on June 6, 1945, while he served with the U.S. Army. Donald predeceased her in Rumford on Dec. 31, 2002. After her children were in high school, Anita began to work outside the home as the supervisor for the cafeteria at Mexico High School, which was known for the best yeast rolls in town.

Anita loved to dance and was extremely fond of Elvis Presley. She was even known to cut a rug in the kitchen with her grandkids. She loved to play beano and continued this passion right up to this past summer. She also bowled with the Lucky Rollers Bowling League. But, most of all, she loved her time restoring furniture, working on the farm, riding her John Deer tractor, cooking spaghetti sauce and Woody’s favorite “chocolate chip cookies.”

Her family and extended loved ones knew how much she loved “Camp Donita” at Worthley Pond. Family gatherings continued throughout her life and the love that she and Don had for the camp will continue through the children.

She was an avid gardener and had a roadside stand frequented by many in town right next to her extensive garden. Throughout her lifetime, she had multiple horses that she cared for and helped to extend their lives through her knowledge of animal husbandry and, most importantly, through her love of animals.

Above all else, Anita loved being a mom, and in later life loved spending time with her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a compassionate homemaker, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and a friend to all

Survivors include a son, Donald K. Cummings and his wife, Sharon of Mexico; three daughters, Cindy Dumas and her husband Attorney Paul Dumas of Mexico, Pamela Stinson and husband, Mark of Monmouth, Mary Cummings of Mexico; grandchildren, Aaron Cummings and wife, Tracey, Sarah Cummings and fiancé, Kevin Ellingwood, Jarrod Dumas, Maia Dumas, Jonathon Stinson and fiancé, Alexus Bond, Katheryne Stinson and husband, Patrick Seelig, Kaylee Rumley, Gary Rumley Jr.; four great-grandchildren, Samantha and Katelyn Cummings, Jaxon Dorr and Claire Dumas; a brother, Lee Richardson, of Oxford. She was predeceased by her husband, Don; three brothers, Gordon, Carlton and Dana; three sisters, Katheryne Richardson, Leah Townsend and Elise Quinn.

The family would like to send their heartfelt thanks to St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion for their care and many kindnesses shown to our mother, and to Leslie and Tom Morrill for their support and love of our mom, Anita. Our mom’s support and love that she received from her brother, Lee, and Woody during her hospitalization and days of recovery this summer were instrumental in helping her finalize her journey in life. The family is eternally grateful.

Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at www.meaderandson.com.