Helen M. Cummings

Helen M. Cummings, 92, of Superior died Friday, Dec. 2, 2011, at St. Luke’s Hospice, Duluth.

She was born June 30, 1919, in Superior, daughter of Francis and Mary (Janoski) Cieslicki.

Helen was a member of the 1939 graduating class of Superior East High School.

On May 20, 1941, Helen M. Cieslicki and Laurence G. Cummings were united in marriage at St. Adalbert’s Catholic Church in Superior

Helen worked many years as a nurse’s aide at St. Francis Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital, all formerly in Superior. She also worked for Russell Creamery in Superior, decorating ice cream cakes and wedding sandwiches.

Some of her interests included working in her flower garden; reading history, geography and mysteries; volunteering to help on fundraising for the American Heart Association, Lung Association and American Cancer Society; spending time at Wisconsin Point, museums and estate sales; and she enjoyed baking and decorating cakes for family members, but disliked ironing.

Her memberships were the former St. Adalbert’s Catholic Church, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and its Altar Society, past president of the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post 435 Auxiliary, past president of the Parley American Legion Auxiliary, Peony Garden Club, U.T.U., and Lady Trainmen Lodge 28.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Laurence G. Cummings in 1993; infant daughter, Mary; brothers, Bernard, Joseph and John; and sisters, Frances and Rose Marie.

Survivors include her daughters, Antoinette “Toni” Gotelaere, Superior, and Colette (Rick) Pekkala, South Range; sons, Jerome (Joanne) Cummings, Prairie du Chien, Wis., and Mark (Jan) Cummings, Superior; 10 grandchildren, Janet (Al) Peterson, Erick Kendall, Holly (Chris) Belch, Monica Gotelaere, Lara Pekkala, Lisa (Chris) Brophy, Kathleen (John Cejka) Cummings, Kristen (Michael) Gress, Nicole Cummings and Nathan Cummings; six great-grandchildren, Randy Peterson, Nathan Peterson, Alan Peterson, Tanner Belch, Olivia Brophy and Rebecca Beck; two great great-granddaughters, Brooke Peterson and Amelia Beck; sister, Josephine “Jo” Hawley, Superior; sister-in-law, Bernice “Bea” Cieslicki, Superior; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The visitation will be from noon until the 1 p.m. Mass of Christian burial Thursday, Dec. 8 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Superior, with the Rev. James Tobolski as celebrant.

Honorary pallbearers will be Helen’s grandchildren.

The committal service will be held at St. Francis Cemetery, Superior, at a later date.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to St. Francis Xavier Food Shelf, 2316 E. Fourth St., Superior.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Timothy Kleinschmidt and St. Luke’s Hospice for the great care and love extended to their mother.

Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19th St., Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Send condolences or sign the online guest book at www.downsfh.com.

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