Claire E. Cummings
HEBRON – Beloved daughter, sister, and friend, Claire Elizabeth Cummings passed away peacefully in her sleep with her faithful pup, Ellie, at her side. She lived life to its fullest, brightening our world with her effervescent smile, her wry sense of humor, and the abundant creativity which seemed to flow effortlessly from her fingertips.
Claire was born on July 16, 1991, the daughter of Brad Cummings and Cynthia Reedy. She grew up in Norway with her brothers Charlie and Tom and with her grandparents Joan and Stuart Cummings nearby. From a very young age, Claire showed an artistic flair and was inspired by her grandmother Carolyn Reedy in these pursuits.
Claire’s entire schooling took place at Hebron Academy. She flourished in the creative Lower School and relished the Middle School’s dynamic classes where she made many life-long friends. In the Upper School, Claire was a standout student, singing a cappella with the Hebee Jeebees, playing soccer, running track, and taking part in every all-school musical. Graduating in 2009, Claire received the Hebron Cup, the school’s highest honor, an achievement she liked to tease her brothers about.
Claire graduated from Wellesley College with a degree in political science. Following graduation, she began her work in public service through AmeriCorps at Tree Street Youth in Lewiston. She took part in the Emerge Maine program, working on several political campaigns in Central and Southern Maine. In 2019, Claire was the successful Coos County, N.H., campaign manager for Bernie Sanders. In 2021, she was named Executive Director of the Vermont Democratic Party. Most recently, Claire served her alma mater, Hebron Academy, working as the Admissions and Marketing Manager. Claire believed in helping people and changing the world for the better. She was driven by her strong will, strength of character, and an uncompromising moral code in all her professional and personal pursuits.
A true Mainer, Claire loved the outdoors. She enjoyed distance running, skiing and hiking. Claire completed the Presidential Traverse three times. As a child she enjoyed family camping trips to the Canadian maritime provinces. Her favorite trip was to the wilds of Newfoundland, enjoying cool nights illuminated by the Northern Lights. Claire’s desire to see the world only increased with age as she traveled to France, Malawi, Puerto Rico, the Republic of Georgia, Guatemala, and Colombia.
Claire is survived by her parents Brad Cummings and Cynthia Reedy, grandparents Joan Cummings and Richard Reedy, her brother Charlie, sister-in-law Kaylyn, adored niece Eleanor, her brother Tom and sister-in-law Claire, and her loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was predeceased by her Papa Stuart Cummings – she was his “sweetie,” grandmother Carolyn Reedy, uncle Gary Cummings, and her doting aunt Lisa Minkowski.
A celebration of Claire’s life will be held Saturday, November 11, at 11 a.m., at the Norway Universalist Unitarian Church on 479 Main Street. Family and friends are encouraged to bring happy memories of Claire to share. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main St., South Paris. Online condolences may be shared with her family at http://www.chandlerfunerals.com .