Shrewsbury – Evelyn Maria (Flanagan) Cummins, 92, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017 with her family by her side. She was the exemplification of kindness, compassion, and dignity. Evie had a heart of gold, and taught her family to embrace life’s adventures and find the good in everyone.
She was born in Worcester, the daughter of James and Emma Flanagan. A graduate of North High School, Evie excelled at basketball, and was the caption of her team and All City. She graduated from Hahnemann Hospital School of Nursing, and received her BS in Nursing from Saint Joseph College, in Maine. Evie’s career began in the Cadet Nurse Corp during World War II.
A longtime Shrewsbury resident, Evie was a member of St. Mary’s Parish, active in the St. Mary’s Catholic Guild, town politics, and many community activities. She was a dedicated school nurse in the Shrewsbury schools. For over 50 years, Evie was a member of a neighborhood Rosary Group. Evie moved to Francis Gardens where she enjoyed many new friendships. Evie lived life to the fullest enjoying family vacations, watching the Patriots and Red Sox, and playing with her dogs. She was an artist, a gardener, and above all, a nurturing soul.
Evie was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Joseph M. Cummins; her brother, George; and sisters, Mary Milan, and Ruth Flanagan. Evie is survived by Peggy Cummins of the Sisters of Notre Dame, Somerville, Joseph and his wife Norma of Shrewsbury; Tom and Colleen of Shrewsbury; Patty and William Courtney of Belchertown; and her grandchildren, Sara, Seana, Joe, Bill, and Tom, and great-grandson Liam DeLuca, who was the newest apple of her eye. Additionally, she leaves a beloved extended family for which she was the glue of four generations. Her family is blessed and will carry her spirit forever.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Evelyn’s family Tuesday, Dec. 19, from 4-7 p.m., in BRITTON-SHREWSBURY FUNERAL HOME, 648 Main St., Shrewsbury. Her funeral will be Wednesday, Dec. 20, with a funeral Mass celebrated at 10 a.m. in Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.
In lieu of flowers donations will be made to the Bakhita Safe House, PO Box 186, Malden, MA 02148.
