Mary (Finnerty) Cummins

Mary (Finnerty) Cummins

1936-2026

Mary (Finnerty) Cummins, 89, of New Fairfield, wife of the late Maurice Cummins, died at her home on Sunday, June 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Mary lived a life defined by faith, grace, and compassion.

A native of County Galway, Ireland, she was the eldest of nine children born to the late James and Bridget Delia (Kelly) Finnerty. Growing up on the family farm, she learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and caring for others. While helping to support and care for her family, she pursued her education, attending business school and later training as a psychiatric nurse. A lifelong learner, she valued education and never lost her curiosity about the world. She would often leave paper clippings for you to read about something she found of interest or importance. Among her fondest memories growing up were dancing beneath the stars at Irish ceilis, a reflection of the joy and spirit she carried throughout her life.

She immigrated to the United States of America in 1959 on a 16-hour flight,  arriving in New York City, where she later met the love of her life, Maurice (Barry) Cummins. In 1974, after moving from the Bronx, they settled in New Fairfield, Connecticut.  Mary worked in Danbury Hospital’s Crisis Intervention Department as one of its original employees, where her empathy, wisdom, and gift for listening touched countless lives. Many who knew Mary often shared stories of her encouragement, guidance, and friendship, crediting her with helping them become better versions of themselves. She had a rare ability to see the best in people and inspire them to see it in themselves. You did not want to disappoint her.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. She started every morning and ended every evening with prayer. An active member of St. Edward the Confessor Church, she served through the Ladies Guild, the Bereavement Committee, and numerous parish activities. She was also a proud member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and was an active member of the New Fairfield Senior Center.

Mary was known for her warmth, inclusivity, and sparkling wit. There was always room at her table for anyone who needed a place to belong. Her home was filled with family, friends, laughter, and love and a good card game or two.  She carried herself with class and elegance, yet made everyone feel comfortable and welcome.

She embraced life with resilience and joy. A devoted Mets fan, she celebrated every victory and endured every disappointment with loyal enthusiasm. She loved to dance, enjoyed trips to the casino, and treasured time spent with family and friends. She also enjoyed watching “Jeopardy.”

Above all, family was the center of her world. She was immensely proud of her children, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life. The love she shared, the values she instilled, and the example she set will continue to guide generations to come.

Mary is survived by her three daughters, Dr. Mary Fernand and her husband Gregory, Patricia Cheh and her husband Keith and Linda Cummins and her husband Michael Hughes, two brothers, Francis (Frank) and Patrick Finnerty, two sisters Margaret Finnerty Guyett and Josephine Finnerty McNulty, four grandchildren Ryan Fernand, Kelly Fernand Abramsky (Jack Abramsky), Shannon Cheh, Steven Cheh, and 2 great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mary was predeceased by her brother Matthew Finnerty and sisters Bridget (Bridie) Finnerty, Carmel Finnerty, and Catherine Finnerty Szlavy, and her beloved grandson, Michael (Mikey) Cheh.

May she rest in eternal peace.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, June 12,2026 at 11 AM in St. Edward the Confessor Church, 21 Brush Hill Rd., New Fairfield.

Burial will follow in Mountainview Cemetery, New Fairfield.

Friends will be received in the Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9 Granville Ave., Danbury on Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 4PM to 7PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to:

Danbury Regional Hospice

St. Edward the Confessor Church

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