EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — Theresa “Tess” Cummings, 88, of East Hartford, Conn., the wife of the late R. Lincoln Cummings, died Sunday, April 1, at Riverside Health Center.

She was born in Lewiston, Oct. 9, 1923, the daughter of the late Joseph A. and Louise (Lemay) Tardiff. She attended Lewiston High School and Bates College as part of a high school program. After graduating, she attended Auburn Maine School of Commerce.

She touched many through her volunteer work and will be remembered for her dedication to Family Friends foster grandparent program, American Lung Association, Roncalli Health Care Center and Three on Your Side. She enjoyed her time as a foster grandparent, most recently at Silva’s Learning Center of East Hartford. She belonged to the South End Seniors in East Hartford and the Glastonbury Grange.

She is survived by her son, David Cummings and his wife, Madeleine, of South Windsor, Conn.; her grandchildren, Adam and Laura Cummings; her sisters, Muriel Gousse and Pauline Campbell; her friend, Robert Cousineau; and several nieces and nephews.

She cherished her time and all of her friends at Faith Lutheran Church. She loved getting a rise out of pastor with a “dirty” joke after each service. No one will forget her passion to uniquely accessorize her wardrobe. Her unique and fun sense of style was always expressed through shoes, earrings and her collection of pins. She was loved by everyone who met her and treated everyone like part of her family. She was “Gramma Tess” to so many in the community. She had the ability to make others smile and had a fantastic sense of humor.

For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.