Mildred Perkins Cummings, 84, of South Dartmouth, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2016 at Sippican Healthcare Center in Marion, Massachusetts. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard Hudner Cummings in June, 2015. Mrs. Cummings is survived by her children, Sean X. Cummings of Tiverton, Rhode Island, Katherine Cummings of Walpole, Massachusetts, Michael Cummings and his wife Suzanne of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, and Shawn Cummings and his wife Jenny of Burlington, North Carolina. Her four grandchildren, Katelyn, Patrick, Claire and John Cummings, will miss her dearly.
Millie, born in Fall River, Massachusetts, was the daughter of the late Francis J. Perkins and Mary Lannigan Perkins, and sister of the late Michael Perkins and Dorothy Sisson. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and Bryant University. Millie devoted her life to her family and the service of others. Millie especially loved children and volunteered and worked at Schwartz Rehabilitation Center touching the lives of hundreds of youngsters for more than thirty years. She volunteered with her husband in organizing the local community to serve at the Market Ministry Shelter in New Bedford where her efforts to cook and serve blessed the lives of those in need.
She was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church and a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in South Dartmouth since 1966. In her younger years, she enjoyed singing and playing guitar at St. Mary’s with her friends.
Millie eagerly shared her knowledge, talent and skills during her years volunteering as a docent at the Rotch-Jones-Duff House in New Bedford. She enjoyed antiques, decorating and gardening.
She was a selfless person who was happiest when helping others. She was an avid gardener who shared her designs and implementations of beautiful gardens with friends and family. “Millie’s lilies” will forever live in the hearts and gardens of many.
Family and friends are invited to call at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park Street, New Bedford, on Thursday, April 14, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and may attend her Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 783 Dartmouth Street, South Dartmouth on April 15, 2016. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, 2233 Robeson Street, Fall River. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Schwartz Center for Children, One Posa Place, Dartmouth, MA, 02747. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.