Shirley M. Cummins R.N., 94, a longtime Auburn resident, died peacefully on Thursday November 28, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Thomas P. “Tim” Cummins.

Born and raised in Webster, Shirley was one of five children born to the late Leonard and Agnes (Bocksch) Spahl. She was educated in Webster as well, graduating from Bartlett High School before attending Hahnemann Hospital School of Nursing. Shirley joined the Cadet Nurse Corps while in Nursing School with the hopes of serving the U.S. during World War II. However by the time of Shirley’s graduation in 1946 the war had ended, and she began her nursing career. Later, after raising her family, Shirley worked at the Lincoln Nursing Home, the Lutheran Home of Worcester, and UMass Medical Center in Worcester.

After retirement, Shirley worked in several area stores and at the polls; in her 80’s she became a member of the Auburn Recreation Committee, and a Senior Companion. Shirley was also active at the Senior Center, a President of the Hahnemann Alumni, and a faithful member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Auburn where she was a member of the Naomi Unit. Shirley was an avid bowler and loved cards and Bingo. She and Tim enjoyed several warm winters in Florida during their shared retirement.

Shirley is survived by her four children, James T. Cummins and his wife Suzanne of Burke, VA, Jane M. Johnston and her husband Richard of Holden, Christine E. Cummins of Whitinsville, and Timothy P. Cummins and his wife Lynn of Auburn; five grandchildren, Michael, Casey, Nicholas, Kathryn, and Micah; five great-grandchildren, Madison, Isaac, Aidan, Marlowe, and Kyle; several nieces and nephews, as well as her extended and thoughtful Bethel family. In addition to her parents and her husband, Shirley was predeceased by her four siblings, Elsie Spahl, Helen Lowe, Gertrude Mahoney, and Oscar Spahl.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Shirley’s family between 4:00 and 7:00 PM on Wednesday, December 4th at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central Street, Auburn, MA. Her funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, December 5th, at the Bethel Lutheran Church, 90 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Auburn, MA. Burial will be at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bethel Lutheran Church, 90 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Auburn, MA 01501.