STOW - Carole Ann (nee Bowman) Cummings, beloved wife, mother, aunt, teacher, and friend, 87, passed away on September 22, 2026.

Carole was born in North Braddock, Pennsylvania, on April 22, 1939. In 1940, her family moved to Elyria, Ohio, where she grew up and formed many lifelong friendships—including meeting the love of her life, John Cummings. Their first date was in May 1956, beginning a beautiful partnership that would last more than 70 years. Carole graduated from Elyria High School in 1958 as co-valedictorian of her class. She went on to attend Ohio University, graduating in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in education. On June 16, 1963, Carole and John were married. They lived in Cuyahoga Falls for the first three years and continued their life together in Stow, Ohio, in 1966. Carole devoted much of her life to education. She taught at Bodie Elementary School in Cuyahoga Falls for six years before taking time away from teaching to raise her daughter, Jennifer. She later returned to the classroom, serving as an intervention specialist at Stow-Munroe High School for 14 years before her retirement.

Carole loved reading, knitting, sewing, hiking, birdwatching, and spending time in nature. She and John shared a love of travel and explored the world together, visiting 49 states, 8 Canadian provinces, and 14 European countries. She enjoyed attending the Akron Symphony and visiting the Cleveland Museum of Art. Carole also loved being part of her community. She was a member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Cuyahoga Falls since 1963. She was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, AU Chapter in Akron, where she served as both president and treasurer. She also served as a member of the Village Quilters and the Silvercrest Women’s Club, among other activities.

Carole is survived by her husband of 63 years, John Cummings; her daughter, Jennifer (Christopher) Finan; her granddaughter, Erin Finan; her brother-in-law, James Cummings; her nephew, Jeff (Kim) Cummings; her niece, Deborah (Tom) Timcho; and her great-nieces, Kaitlyn Cummings, Katherine Timcho, and Elizabeth Timcho. She was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Sue Ann Cummings.

A celebration of Carole’s life for family and friends will be held Friday, October 9, from 3:00-5:00 p.m., with a short service of celebration at 4:45 p.m.

To honor Carole’s love of learning and education, memorials/gifts may be made to PEO Scholarship at www.peointernational.org