Obituary of Mary Ann Cummings

 

 

 

 

 

Mary Ann Cummings, "Stella", (nee McDonnell) of Ridgefield Park passed away Monday, July 29, 2024.

at the age of eighty-nine. She was born April 18, 1935 in The Falls Road section of Belfast, Northern Ireland - The second child of Dermot & Sarah McDonnell, siblings Annita, Sheila, & Dermot James. She met the love of her life Francis Gabriel Cummings in Belfast (deceased), followed him to New York City marrying in Bronx, New York in 1958 and moving to Ridgefield Park in 1968. She is survived by her brother Dermot James McDonnell; Loving mother of Kevin, Sheila, Martin, Michael & wife Michelle Cummings. Cherished grandmother of Amy & Marco Garafalo, Erin and her fiancé Alex and Kerry Hunter; Brielle and her fiancé Jeff, Fiona, Colin; Matthew, Julia and Evan Cummings and most cherished great-grandson Oliver.  Stella was a dear friend to many especially Maureen Hanley and the late Agnes Gallagher. 

Stella was loved by all and many - she was generous, kind and above all compassionate. After retiring, she spent her time working in the Ridgefield Park school system to aid in more ways than one. Stella was a memorable person in many young lives, separate to her own family - being nicknamed "Grandma/Miss Mary," to those who had no familial ties. Friends and family would describe her as not just someone they could confide in - but also a friend. Stella was an active member of Saint Francis church, actively participating in activities and loved by many.

She worked as a keypunch operator, when she came to NY from Belfast, Ireland in 1956. She worked for Englewood Hospital, Acme Markets and The Ridgefield Park School system.  She also volunteered her time to The Village of Ridgefield Park for twenty-nine years as a member of the Juvenile Conference Committee. She was a generous, kind, considerate and selfless person who will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Visitation in Mary Ann’s honor will be held on Thursday, August 1^st, beginning at 4 P.M. and concluding at 8:30 P.M.  Funeral Mass at St. Francis R.C. Church, Friday, August 2^nd, 10 A.M.  Interment to follow at Maple Grove Park Cemetery, Hackensack.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that any contributions please be made to St. Francis Church Food Pantry, 114 Mt Vernon St Ridgefield Park, New Jersey 07660.