DOROTHY CUMMINGS
Dorothy Cummings, a Los Altos resident for the past 40 years, died December 9, 2004 at age 86. Born Dorothy Jeanette Shaw in Omaha, Nebraska on March 11, 1918, she moved with her parents and older brother to Tacoma, Washington in the early 1930’s. After graduating from high school in Tacoma, Dorothy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Puget Sound.
Following college graduation, Dorothy married William James (Bill) Cummings in May 1942 — just five months after the United States’ entry into World War II. Bill was commissioned as a Navy Ensign in September 1942 and assigned to the Supply Corps. During Bill’s 21-year Navy career, Dorothy made numerous moves with her husband, while raising their son, William, and daughter, Katharine, as well as teaching elementary school in several locations.
Following Bill’s retirement from the Navy in 1963, the family settled in Los Altos. Dorothy continued her teaching career, spending 18 years instructing 4th and 6th grade classes at Eaton Elementary School in Cupertino. She retired from teaching in 1982. Subsequently, she became active as a volunteer with the El Camino Hospital Auxiliary. Dorothy contributed over 4,000 hours of volunteer service, including a year as President of the Auxiliary (1987-88) and a subsequent term as Chairperson of the Committee on Volunteer Services of the California Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (1994-95).
Dorothy enjoyed being with her many friends and family, and especially loved parties, the theatre, and a good game of bridge. She was an active member of several bridge groups and frequently entertained friends with lunch at her home. She’ll be remembered for her great sense of humor, her positive outlook, and her wonderful zest for life.
Following an apparent fall in front of her home on December 8, Dorothy was transported to the Stanford Trauma Center where she passed peacefully from this life early on December 9. She is preceded in death by her husband and son and survived by her daughter, Katharine Allison, of San Jose and by two nieces and a nephew who live in Washington State.
Dorothy will be interred along side her husband at Alta Mesa Memorial Park in Palo Alto. A memorial service was held December 20 at Los Altos Unified Methodist Church. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either the El Camino Hospital Foundation or to Pathways Hospice Foundation.
ELIZABETH BRILL HILL
Elizabeth Brill Hill was born March 27, 1914 and passed away on December 1, 2004.
With loving memories of a wonderful woman, mother, grandmother and lifelong friend to all who knew her as Betty. Survived by her daughter Nancy, son-in-law Stan, granddaughters Marika McCall, Savanna and Jessica King. Many lifelong friends include her cousin Marj Cary and her daughter Helen Cary of Aptos. Her constantly supportive neighbors surrounding The Hill, where she lived the majority of her life, are equally loved as family.
A graduate of Duke University, Betty was also a veteran of WWII, serving in the Red Cross in Italy. She worked for 17 years as a Social Worker in Santa Clara County before retiring. Betty especially loved the ocean, all sea and wildlife, fishing from the pier, collecting shells and rocks and admiring the beauty of nature, sunrise to sunset.
As a young woman, Betty was athletic, an avid tennis player, horsewoman and enjoyed college basketball as well. Her love of music had no boundaries. Benny Goodman, Cole Porter, George Gershwin and The Beatles commanded her enthusiastic vocal renditions.
Honoring Betty’s wishes, her ashes will be scattered at sea in the company of her loving family who will cherish the memory of Mom and Grandma Betty always.
Donations in her memory may be made to the charity of your choice.
