Margaret Brooks Cummings

Margaret Brooks Cummings, a cherished educator, gifted artist, and devoted mother and grandmother passed away at the age of 75, surrounded by her loving children.

Born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Margie lived a full life filled with purpose, creativity, humor, and enduring commitment to her family, passions, and community.

The oldest of four, she grew up in Darien, Connecticut, with loving parents who she adored throughout her life. She had wonderful memories of a happy childhood spent with her siblings, travelling with her father for business, spending time with her grandmother, and sailing at Camp Avalon in Chatham, Massachusetts in the summers.

She studied art at Queens College in Charlotte, North Carolina and then had four children. After making a brave decision to move her family across the country in a challenging situation, Margie settled on Cape Cod near her parents, where she raised her children as a single parent. For the next 30 years, Margie called Brewster, Massachusetts home enjoying the beaches, ponds, forests, and vibrant community.

She was a teacher who was deeply passionate about education, dedicating her career to shaping the lives of her students, many of whom maintained lifelong ties to her. In addition to art, she particularly loved teaching phonics and algebra. After teaching for many years, she served as Head of School at the Laurel School in Brewster, where she impacted the lives of countless children and families. Even after retiring, her dedication to teaching drew her back to the classroom, where she continued to inspire and support children. She moved to Littleton, Massachusetts in 2017 to be closer to her grandchildren.

Margie adored animals throughout her life, sharing her home and heart with pets that brought her endless joy and companionship. Her animals, all rescued, included Brewster, Sierra, and Wilson - and before them Echo, Zipper, Ben Ben, Bailey, Bode, Nico, Sam, and many others.

Margie was an avid gardener and artist, celebrated for her painting and crafting skills. She inspired a love of art and gardening (and composting to produce the best soil) in her children and grandchildren, teaching them how to make annual Christmas wreaths, plant daffodils, and help maintain her beautiful outdoor fish pond.

Margie’s greatest source of pride and joy was her family. She is survived by her four children and their spouses: Torey Cummings (Patrick Abouchalache), Laura Walch Cummings (Joe Walch), Cady Cummings Audette (Jason Audette), and Charley Cummings (Kristen Cummings). She had eight beloved grandchildren: Bella, Chase, and Millie Audette, Harrison and Charlotte Walch, and Sallie, Jimmy, and George Cummings. She will also be deeply missed by her brothers, Eric Cummings and Terry Cummings, as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Florence Cummings, and her sister, Isabella “Coco” Larrain.

Margie's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the thoughtful oncology team at Massachusetts General Hospital and to the team at Care Dimensions for their compassionate care.

Margie’s warmth, wisdom, wit, and active, independent spirit enriched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy lives on through her family, the students she mentored, and the communities she served.

A celebration of Margie’s life will be held on January 18, 2025, at 10:00 am at the Acton Congregational Church, 12 Concord Rd, Acton, MA, with a reception to follow at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donating to Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod(https://habitatcapecod.org/) or the Animal Rescue League of Boston - Brewster branch(https://www.arlboston.org/).Arrangements under the care of Concord Funeral Home, 74 Belknap Street, Concord, MA 01742 978-369-3388 www.concordfuneral.com