Catherine M. Cummings

Sister was born Shirley Ann Cummings in Ogdensburg on Aug. 29, 1937, the daughter of Katherine and Myron Cummings.

Sister entered the Sisters of Mercy in Tarrytown, New York, on Sept. 8, 1955 and along the way received a doctorate in nursing education. She began her ministry of teaching nursing at Mercy Hospitals in Watertown and Port Jervis. Sister continued that ministry in New York City, Syracuse, Hartford, Connecticut, Worcester, Massachusetts and Hartsdale, New York.

In 2006 she started a new ministry at Mercy Care for the Adirondacks as director of Mercy Care’s Parish Nurse and Mission Integration programs. She recently retired from that position.

In addition to the Sisters of Mercy, she is survived by her brother Thomas (Beverly Wernet) of Liverpool, New York and many beloved nieces, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Robert, and her sister Mary Gertrude.

Calling hours will be held Friday, Dec. 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 16 from 10 to 11 a.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Dec. 16 at 11 a.m. at Reiss Family Memorial Chapel at Elderwood of Uihlein in Lake Placid. Rev. John Yonkovig and Rev. Paul Kelly will officiate.

Burial will be in the Spring in St. Alphonsus Cemetery in Tupper Lake.

The M. B. Clark, Inc., Funeral Home in Lake Placid is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com to share a memory or leave condolences.