Betty Lou Cummings — a Westport resident for over 58 years, who made her mark on town in innumerable ways — died suddenly from an accident on January 3. She was 90.
Pennsylvania native Betty Lou Lundstedt recently celebrated her 69th wedding anniversary with her college sweetheart Thomas. She was a graduate of Michigan State University, with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physical education and dance.
At MSU. she was one of the first 6 females cheerleaders. She later taught at MSU, and Vassar College.
Early in their marriage the Cummingses lived in Waco, Texas and Poughkeepsie, New York, where she became the YMCA director.
Betty Lou Cummings
Her family says, “Encouraging others to achieve higher goals through cheerful interactions was a mark of Betty Lou’s enduring presence. This was the continuing gift she brought to everything she did.”
Her many achievements include Connecticut state champion for sewing, president of the Staples High School PTA (1981), Sportsmen of Westport (1991), YMCA Faces of Achievement (1998), and the Rotary Club’s Paul Harris Award (2003).
In midlife her interests and leadership expanded into politics. She was elected as Westport’s second selectwoman, and served from 1993 to 1997.
During her years as a community leader, she supported many important projects, including founding the Apple Festival, fundraising for CLASP, and the Westport Library’s Riverwalk and River of Names projects.
She was instrumental in the town’s purchase of Cockenoe Island, preventing construction of a nuclear power plant.
She helped organize Random Acts of Kindness Days, and will be remembered as a joyful presence in her role as a judge for Westport’s annual Memorial Day parade.
Other public service included selection as a delegate to Russia and China for Bridges for Peace.
Betty Lou Cummings (left) and Joanne Nistico, advertising the Apple Festival.
She and Tom were ardent world travelers, visiting over 100 different countries. She loved seeing cultures and wild animals, and viewed the world as a miracle.
The Cummings family spent 50 memorable years skiing at Okemo, and 13 with fun-filled gatherings at Ocean City.
Her family adds, “She made sure every holiday was a full experience of love, recognition, and her delicious homemade cakes. She developed a deep skill as our historian and chronicler of activities with her newsletters and holiday cards.
“Betty Lou will be remembered as a generous, deeply caring and compassionate person of principle. She spent her life advancing the positive whenever she could with enthusiasm, hard work, her laughter and her winning smile. Along the way, Betty Lou met any challenge head-on, was resilient, constructive and always optimistic.”
Betty Lou and Tom Cummings, at their 69th wedding anniversary last month.
Betty Lou is survived by her husband; sons Mark (Lisa Livingston) of Modesto, California; Mathew (Michele Grether) of Trumbull, and Todd (Kate Francek) of Fairfield; grandchildren Mathew Jr., Ella, Caroline, Zoe and Toby; sisters Janet Hanes and Diane Martin, and brother Roy Lundstedt. She was predeceased by her son Edwin, and brothers Jack and Bob.
Visitation is set for Friday (January 10, 4 to 8 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). Her memorial service is Saturday (January 11, 10 a.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church). Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty Lou’s name may be made to CLASP Homes, Friends of the Westport Center for Senior Activities, or the Saugatuck Congregational Church.
Betty Lou will be deeply missed by all of Westport (Democrats and Republicans). Her son, Mathew, does live in Trumbull, but is the manager of M&T Bank in Westport.
What a wonderful, positive, energetic person and what a contribution Betty Lou made to making Westport a better place. She was an absolute treasure.