Bernadette “B.“ M. Cummings

Bernadette “B.” Cummings, 94, died Friday, April 12, 2013, in Palliative Care at Sanford Health, Fargo, ND.

Bernadette “B.” Margaret Lein was born on March 30, 1919, in Perham, MN to Alois and Amelia Foerstner Lein. She grew up in Perham, and graduated from Perham High School. B. married Joseph Cummings on May 30, 1941, in Perham, MN. During WWII, B. and Joe were located in various cities across the U.S. While in Chicago, B. worked for Mars Candy Company, hand-wrapping Snicker bars. During this time, she also worked for the government typing confidential documents. After the war, B. and Joe moved back to Perham. They eventually moved to Moorhead, MN. Together they had six children.

B. was a homemaker and an artist. She was named the YWCA “Woman of the Year in Art” in 1976. She enjoyed many types of painting, although oil painting was her favorite. B. was one of the founders of Fargo’s Art in the Park, which has become the Fargo Street Fair. She is also a founding member of Gallery 4. B. was an avid bowler. She bowled in leagues and tournaments with both family and friends well into her 80’s.

B. is survived by her daughters, Ann Cummings, Atlanta, GA, Kathy Sudduth, Madison, WI, Lynn Wiskowski, and Judy Schultz, Madison, WI; sons, Jim Beth Cummings, Sioux Falls, SD, Mike Holly Cummings, Fargo, ND, Ken Patty Cummings, West Fargo, ND, and Kevin Pam Cummings, Detroit Lakes, MN; brother, Charlie Irene Lein; eight grandchildren, Snow, Melissa, Meghan, Ashley, Erin, Chelsey, Meredith, and Tony; and four great-grandchildren, Noah, Jacob, Sadie and Carter.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brother, Ambrose Lein.

Memorial Service: Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in Riverview Place, Fargo, ND.

Memorial Gathering: One hour before the service.

Interment: St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Dent, MN. At a later date.