Mary Diane Cummings
September 7, 1933 – August 30, 2024
Mary Diane Cummings, 90, passed away peacefully In St. Louis, Missouri, on August 30, 2024, surrounded by her family and friends. Born on September 7, 1933, Diane dedicated her life to education and service, profoundly impacting the lives of countless students as a teacher. She attended Rosati-Kain Academy for high school, where her passion for learning and service began to take shape. Diane earned her undergraduate degree at Fontbonne University and later obtained her master’s from St. Louis University, further cementing her commitment to education and personal growth.
From 1951 to 1971, Diane served in the religious order of the Sisters of St. Joseph, embodying a life of faith, compassion, and commitment. She later worked in administration at the St. Louis University School of Medicine from 1972 until her retirement in 1997, where her dedication to the medical community was greatly valued.
A devout Tree House Ministry member, Diane found solace and a sense of community within her faith. Her deep commitment to learning was only matched by her love for the natural world. She found joy in gardening and cherished the sight of butterflies, hummingbirds, and deer. Diane was also an avid poker player and enjoyed playing nickel and penny slots at local casinos, always bringing her sharp wit and love of games wherever she went. Additionally, she was a huge fan of the St. Louis Blues and the St. Louis Cardinals, enthusiastically cheering on her favorite teams.
Diane was preceded in death by her beloved life partner, Eileen Moran; her parents, Helen Trenn Cummings and Edmund F. Cummings; and her brother, Neil P. Cummings. She is survived by her sister, Kathleen Cummings Kearns (B. Thomas), and her brother, John Phelan Cummings (Dot). Diane was also a cherished aunt to many more nieces and nephews beyond those specifically mentioned: Matthew Cummings, Sierra Doerr, Donald “DJ” Griffin, Donald Griffin, Michael Griffin, Mary-Kathleen Kearns, Aleana London, Kevin Moran, Michael Moran, Colleen Moran, Dale Weissler, Kayla Weissler, Nathan Weissler, Michaela Williams, Melissa Yerger.
The SLU Medical School’s Donor Memorial Service will be held at St. Francis Xavier College Church (3628 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108) on October 25th, 2024, at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Diane’s memory to the Tree House Ministry or the St. Louis Crisis Nursery, both of which were causes dear to her heart.
Dear Kay,
I was so sorry to hear of Diane’s passing. What a wonderful, giving, fulfilled life she had.
I am having knee replacement surgery on October 24 and unfortunately will not be able to attend the funeral. I would have loved to see you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Your cousin.
Phyllis
“May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest and may God hold you in the palm of his hand, until we meet again”.
Go forth in peace, good Christian soul, from this world,
in the name of God the almighty Father,
who created you,
in the name of Jesus Christ, Son of the living God,
who suffered for you,
in the name of the Holy Spirit,
who was poured out upon you,
go forth, faithful Christian.
May you live in peace this day,
may your home be with God in Zion,
with Mary, the Virgin Mother of God,
with Joseph, and all the Angels and Saints.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her for evermore with Thy Saints, because Thou are gracious.
May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed though the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
In the moment He appears and the light from heaven shines,
I’ll forget every fear, every pain I’ll leave behind.
Then I’ll see Him as He is and I’ll know Him as I’m known.
Every tear wiped away when I go home.
Ever present is the thought that a moment waits for me when unworthy as I am,
His glory I will see. I will empty all my praise before my Father’s throne.
Every tear wiped away when I go home.
If the trial I endure and your presence I can’t find, be near me Lord I pray bring back unto my mind.
That your promises are firm and I’m never on my own. Every tear wiped away when I go home.
Amen
While knowing Diane for only a few years we became friends proving that the heart measures time differently then the calendar. In spite of all her maladies and the pain she endured she always maintained a positive attitude and I never left her company without being grateful for the time spent together. Making a friend at a Retirement Home is a leap of faith because you know that we all have seen more yesterdays then we will see tomorrows.
I consider meeting Diane and becoming friends a joy and blessing. The angel of death will smile at all of us sooner or later. Because of God’s grace and the Pascal Blood we are able to smile back. Rest in the peace of Christ my dearest friend!
For many years, I sat across the hall from Diane in the DOB at SLU. We had the best time laughing way too much. RIP my friend.
Jamie Nehrt
Contact for Tree House Healing Ministry
sr.cecelia@treehouseministry.org.