“Sister Martha was a kind and compassionate teacher and nurse. Her students enjoyed her sense of humor and her quick wit….”

Sister Martha Cummings (Sister James Carmita) was born May 9, 1937 in New York City. She was one of two daughters of Harry and Madeline Bajart Cummings. Martha attended Holy Name of Jesus Elementary School and Blessed Sacrament High School in Manhattan. She entered the Sisters of Charity of New York on September 8, 1955. Sister Martha earned a BA in History from the College of Mount Saint Vincent, and an MA in American History from Manhattan College. She later earned her RN degree from Edna McConnell Clark School of Nursing, NYC, and an MPA in Health Administration from Long Island University. Sister Martha held NYS Certification in elementary education and nursing.

Sister began her ministry in education in 1958 at Saint Raymond School, Bronx. From there she went to Sacred Heart School, Manhattan, and then Saint Barnabas, Bronx, as a teacher and then Assistant Principal, a position she held for eight years. In 1979, Sister Martha returned to full-time study to become a practical nurse. She worked at Hospital for Special Surgery for one year and returned to nursing school to receive her diploma as an RN in 1983.

Sister Martha began work as a registered nurse at Bellevue Hospital, Manhattan, serving there for thirteen years. In 1996, Sister Martha began an eight-year ministry at Convent of Mary the Queen, as Assistant Administrator and then as Administrator. In 2004, she became the Administrator of Saint Martin De Porres Infirmary for the Dominican Sisters in Blauvelt, NY, a position she held until early 2014.

Sister Martha was a kind and compassionate teacher and nurse. Her students enjoyed her sense of humor and her quick wit, as well as her ability to make Social Studies interesting and informative. The mother of one of her patients wrote of her, “Sister Martha attended my son with such dedication and tenderness … We are deeply grateful for her care.” Sister’s care and concern extended to the sisters at Convent of Mary the Queen and Saint Martin De Porres Infirmary. In both convents, Sister Martha made the sisters feel comfortable and at home.

Sister Martha’s goal in caring for the elder sisters was “to assist the sister-residents to attain a maximum quality of life which will enable them to carry out their ministry of prayer and service.” Her presence, peacefulness, sense of humor and friendly demeanor enabled her to carry out this goal.

Remember us, Sister Martha, as you enjoy the loving presence of your God whom you served so well. Rest in peace.