Shirley Cumming

Shirley Glenne Cumming passed away on April 4, 2021. Her life of 89 years was glorious indeed. A wife of 63 years and a Mother of four, Grandmother of six and Great grandmother of six. Shirley’s life began during the Great Depression but ended in great peace. A devout woman whose life exemplified her Christian faith far beyond mere words or deeds. An educator who gave her time to others and made every community she lived in a better place.
Born on April 1, 1932 in Tacoma, Washington, Shirley was the daughter of Robert and Inez Conger. Shirley is survived by her devoted husband Leland Roy Cumming whom she married on August 3, 1957, and four children: Leland Bruce Cumming, Christie Elyse Mardock, Shelley Glenne Opsal and Gregory Garth Cumming.
Shirley graduated from San Jose State University, class of 1952, and received her teaching credential as well. The following year she started teaching, which was one of her great loves. She taught kindergarten through 2nd grade over the course of the next twenty years.
Shirley met her husband, Leland Cumming when her friends Joan and Maureen (her future sister-in-law) invited her to Maureen’s family home in Palo Alto…And the rest was history!
Shirley was a beautiful and loving mother. She cared deeply for her family and everyone she knew. She was honest, hardworking, and had a generous spirit. She was skilled at knitting, cooking and gardening. If you knew her long enough, she would knit you something.
After raising a family of four, Shirley and Leland retired to Florida. To say they loved Florida is an understatement, having season passes to Disneyworld, a beach close by and Shirley got to shop & go to bible study while Leland golfed. The only thing missing was their grandchildren. After twenty years of Florida living, they moved to back to the west coast so they could be closer to the majority of their family.
God chose April 4, 2021 to call Shirley home to his community of faithful followers. While she will be missed tremendously by all who love her, we know the Lord will welcome her home with open arms. She has fought the good fight, she has finished the race, she has remained faithful – now her prize awaits.
A celebration of Shirley’s life will be conducted on May 8, 2021.