Theresa M. Cummins, 97, a devoted mother and grandmother, formerly of 123 Congress Street, passed away Friday, June 10, 2022, at Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born March 30, 1925, in Perrigine, Italy, she was a daughter of the late Nicola and Josephine (Petrone) Nigro. She moved to this country on January 8, 1926, and resided in Mt. Washington, She was a graduate of South Hills High School.
On July 24, 1952, in Pittsburgh she married Donald F. Cummins who preceded her in death on March 15, 1994.
While she resided in Pittsburgh, she was employed by the Teamsters Union and later at the Pennsylvania State Inheritance Tax Office in McKean County. She was proudest to be a homemaker for her family.
Theresa was a devout Catholic, she raised her children in the Catholic faith. She attended daily mass at St. Bernard Church until she was unable to. She was a member of St. Bernard Church, as well as a lector, and Eucharistic Minister, member of the Catholic Women’s Club, Rosary Club, and she was a solid link in the Prayer Chain, praying for the sick and suffering.
Theresa traveled to Irondale, Alabama and met with Mother Angelica, founder of EWTN. She was instrumental in convincing her to provide programming and to have the local cable provider include EWTN in their network.
Theresa enjoyed latch hook rug making and wall hangings with religious themes which she donated or gave to family and friends.
Theresa believed in the power of prayer and forgiveness. She prayed the rosary daily. She always carried a pocket full of rosaries which she would give to children wherever she would meet them. She is known to many as “The Rosary Lady”. They may not remember her name but they will never forget the rosaries they were given.
She led a simple life not requiring much. She was a woman of strength and conviction.
Surviving is one daughter, Dianne Thompson, five sons, Robert J. Cummins, Joseph Cummins, Donald (Debra) R. Cummins, Nicholas (Marty) J. Cummins, and Andrew B. Cummins, all of Bradford, one sister, Connie Donovan, of Monroeville, 18 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Don of 42 years, one daughter Theresa, who died April 30, 2008, one sister, and one brother.
Family will receive friends on Tuesday June 14, 2022, from 4 PM to 7 PM in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 33 South Avenue.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, in St. Bernard Church with Fr. Jim Gutting as Celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery.
As a memorial we would like to ask that you take a moment to pray the rosary or say a prayer for family, friends, and this great country.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com