Debra (“Deb“) Marie Cummings, 46, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2012, surrounded by close friends at University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle after a long courageous battle with cancer. Deb was born Aug. 30, 1965, in Cass City, MI. She was preceded in death by her Father, Dale Cummings in 2004, and her stepsister Deborah Proctor in 2010. She is survived by her beloved dog, Lucy (9); her mother, Judy (McPhail) Cummings of Kingston, MI; brother Daryl (Tammie) Cummings of Caro, MI; stepsister Cheryl Luckett and family of Tipton, OK; stepbrother James (Beth) Cummings and Family of Willow Springs, NC; nephews Brandon and Coty Cummings of Caro, MI; Uncle Larry (Rita) McPhail of Marlette, MI; Uncle Don (Sharon) McPhail of Kingston, MI; Aunt Mary of Sandusky, MI; and brother-in-law Rock Proctor and family. She is also survived by several other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Deb’s mantra was “Live, Learn, Laugh, Love Life!” She lived every day to the fullest, and loved teaching, and spending time with friends and family.
Deb held several careers over the years. She picked daffodils, sold Kirby vacuum cleaners, cooked in a restaurant, coached basketball, volleyball, cross country, track, taught P.E and math in Coupeville, was the Blaine Elementary School principal, then went on to be the Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for Blaine School District. She was also a college professor at Western Washington University.
Deb was a proud Methodist, who was highly active in the Coupeville United Methodist Church as a Youth and Family Church group leader. A professor of life and lover of quotes, Deb was a true leader, with the ability to bring people together from many different walks of life. She was, and continues to be, an inspiration to many.
A celebration of life will be held for Deb on Saturday, April 14, in the Performing Arts Center at the Blaine Middle School at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Deb Cummings Scholarship Fund, c/o Blaine Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 4285, Blaine, WA 98231. You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guest book at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.
