Barbara Cummings (November 13, 1931 - December 28, 2016)

In loving memory of
Barbara Cummings
  • November 13, 1931
  • -
  • December 28, 2016

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Obituary

CUMMINGS Barbara “Randie” Cummings, born in Newark, NJ, died in hospice at home on December 28, 2016 as her courageous heart could no longer battle.  She is predeceased by her father, Dr. Edwin Cummings, D.D.S.; her mother, Dorothy Cummings, a teacher;  and her brother, Ted Cummings.  Her youth was spent in Bloomfield, NJ where she early showed her incentive by a childhood snow-shoveling service known as “Barbie and her Boys”. She distinguished herself also as a marble champion, and by her animal rescues where she nurtured many an abandoned animal back to health.  She early showed a proficiency for music, playing taps at memorial services.  Randie graduated from Bloomfield High School, where she played trumpet in the Bengal Band.  She was noted for her softball talents, being recruited for the Springfield Sallies professional team as well as being an archery champion.  Randie progressed to the Panzer College of Health and Physical Education where she distinguished herself in student teaching.  Her Masters of Science was from Columbia University where she graduated with top honors, summa cum laude. Her career at Montclair High School in New Jersey was in the field of Health and Sex Education where she was an innovator. She was mentored by Hal Schaefer in Ft. Lauderdale, and performed with the Sammy Benskin Band in New York, New Jersey as well as the WiItshire Band in New York , New Jersey, Provincetown  and with Muriel Fox in New Jersey. Randie was known as a “Torch singer”.  Torch songs are a powerful remembrance of that special someone who may have been considered a “flame”.  Her goal was to have someone say to themselves, “That happened to me”. Other interests included alternative medicine, cuisine, museums, the theater, films and animals. Her sense of humor delighted all. She was most at peace by the ocean and spent years visiting Cape Cod and Ocean Grove and travel to numerous countries. She moved from New Jersey to Fort Lauderdale in 1995, and then to New Smyrna Beach.  Left to honor her memory is her life partner of 42 years, Diana Vanderbilt whose classes in writing in Florida were enhanced by Randie’s dramatic readings;  childhood friend Phyllis Smith and Linda Alimi of Fairfield, NJ;  Renee Yerg of La Mesa and Sedona, Arizona; Mrs. Estelle  Palange of Greer, SC; also cherished by her mother, best pal Bobbi Longstreet of Mt. Tabor, NJ; Jane Doss of Camp Romaca;  Marty  Miller and Anita Blomberg of Verona, NJ and many others.  A private memorial service will be announced at a later time and date.


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