Martha Marie Cummings

Born March 17, 1926 of Ruth and Clifford Thombs, she attended Portland schools and worked as a clerk at Portland High School after graduating. It was there that she met her future husband, just out of the Navy where he served on the Destroyer the USS Hilary P. Jones during WWII. They were married May 29, 1948.

Martha loved life. In her younger years she loved to dance, play tennis, and to the end, she enjoyed spending time with friends and family. In high school she played the trombone in band and violin in orchestra. She even played the violin in the Portland Junior Symphony Orchestra. Martha was known among her friends for the many handcrafts she did, including knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, cross stitch and crewel work.

She loved the holidays, especially Christmas. When she retired from the Telephone Company, her retirement party was a Christmas in July theme.

She was a member of the St Lawrence Congregational Church until it closed. Her faith was deep and important to her. She would frequently sing/hum hymns around the house. Her faith gave her strength, and enabled her to face her death with dignity and grace. Her grandson was the light of her life and she talked about him to everyone.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Blair C Cummings, 2 children, Blair N Cummings, and Marie R (Cummings) Aikins, all of Portland, and one grandson, Erik D Aikins, currently serving in the USMC in Okinawa, Japan.

She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

An 11:00 AM Memorial Service and Celebration of Life for Martha will be held this Saturday, April 19th at the Woodfords Congregational Church, 202 Woodford St., Portland.

Care for Martha and her family has been entrusted to the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland. To leave messages of condolence, or sign the online guestbook please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.