Obituary for Edwina F. Cummings
Edwina Cummings (née Botelho), age 62, passed away unexpectedly after a fall at home, on December 16th, 2021, in North Kingstown, RI. She was born on January 16th, 1959 in Ponta Delgada, Portugal and moved to Taunton, MA at the age of 9. She is survived by her mother Maria Botelho, husband Dr. Stephen Cummings, daughters Katherine and Ellen Cummings, sisters Mary Baggesen and Constance Botelho, and brother Tony Botelho. She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Botelho.
Edwina met Stephen when in nursing school in 1980, and they married on their farm in Hope Valley, RI in April 1987. The early years of their marriage were spent in Yemen and the Philippines working for the state department. Katherine and Ellen were born during this time abroad. By 1992, the family had moved back to the farm and what followed was an idyllic childhood full of fabulous food, laughter, adventure, and many friends. Edwina was an active member of the PTA and spent her free time volunteering at her children’s Elementary school. Her love for her children and her children’s classmates was endless and felt deeply in the hearts of all who met her.
Edwina loved to travel and collected art from around the world, with sculptures from Yemen, baskets from the Philippines, and paintings from East Africa on display in her beautifully decorated home. She was never one for following a trend, and her house reflected her individuality, with a completely innate, self-taught, impeccable style. Edwina famously said she had never cooked from a recipe until she got married, but tales of her early culinary mishaps were difficult to believe as she was not merely a home cook, but a chef. Nothing made her happier than listening to NPR while cooking an extravagant meal for her family.
Many friends and family will remember her by her sharp wit and humor. Entering Edwina’s kitchen, most would notice her favorite fridge magnet, disclaiming- “normal people worry me,” and would know they were in for a unique experience. She made her own traditions and was proudly individual, but always treated visitors like family. She loved every child like her own. As her children grew older, she became a mother to various poodles and said she would never live without a dog. She also enjoyed politics, history, novels, music, flower arranging, and rarely went a day without reading the NY times.
A memorial service followed by internment and luncheon will be held from 11 am – 2 pm on Wednesday, December 22nd at Swan Point Cemetery, 585 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence, RI. The family requests that all in attendance be recently tested, vaccinated (if eligible) and wear masks for your own protection. At 11 am, a service will be conducted in the Chapel of Hope and Memory. At approximately 12 pm she will be buried in the Ellipse portion of the cemetery, followed by luncheon at 12:30 pm also on the grounds of Swan Point.
In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Dorcas International Institute of RI, 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides programs and services to immigrants, refugees, and those looking to overcome cultural, educational, economic, and language barriers. Dorcas International has worked to empower newcomers for nearly 100 years now and strives to create a welcoming environment for all who come to settle here in the Ocean State. https://diiri.org/
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Edwina met Stephen when in nursing school in 1980, and they married on their farm in Hope Valley, RI in April 1987. The early years of their marriage were spent in Yemen and the Philippines working for the state department. Katherine and Ellen were born during this time abroad. By 1992, the family had moved back to the farm and what followed was an idyllic childhood full of fabulous food, laughter, adventure, and many friends. Edwina was an active member of the PTA and spent her free time volunteering at her children’s Elementary school. Her love for her children and her children’s classmates was endless and felt deeply in the hearts of all who met her.
Edwina loved to travel and collected art from around the world, with sculptures from Yemen, baskets from the Philippines, and paintings from East Africa on display in her beautifully decorated home. She was never one for following a trend, and her house reflected her individuality, with a completely innate, self-taught, impeccable style. Edwina famously said she had never cooked from a recipe until she got married, but tales of her early culinary mishaps were difficult to believe as she was not merely a home cook, but a chef. Nothing made her happier than listening to NPR while cooking an extravagant meal for her family.
Many friends and family will remember her by her sharp wit and humor. Entering Edwina’s kitchen, most would notice her favorite fridge magnet, disclaiming- “normal people worry me,” and would know they were in for a unique experience. She made her own traditions and was proudly individual, but always treated visitors like family. She loved every child like her own. As her children grew older, she became a mother to various poodles and said she would never live without a dog. She also enjoyed politics, history, novels, music, flower arranging, and rarely went a day without reading the NY times.
A memorial service followed by internment and luncheon will be held from 11 am – 2 pm on Wednesday, December 22nd at Swan Point Cemetery, 585 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence, RI. The family requests that all in attendance be recently tested, vaccinated (if eligible) and wear masks for your own protection. At 11 am, a service will be conducted in the Chapel of Hope and Memory. At approximately 12 pm she will be buried in the Ellipse portion of the cemetery, followed by luncheon at 12:30 pm also on the grounds of Swan Point.
In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Dorcas International Institute of RI, 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides programs and services to immigrants, refugees, and those looking to overcome cultural, educational, economic, and language barriers. Dorcas International has worked to empower newcomers for nearly 100 years now and strives to create a welcoming environment for all who come to settle here in the Ocean State. https://diiri.org/
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Edwina F. Cummings, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Service
Wednesday
22
Dec
11:00 AM
- 2:00 PM
Swan Point Cemetery
585 Blackstone Blvd
Providence, RI 02906
Service will be in the Chapel of Hope and Memory
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