Brenda Ann Cummins

Brenda's Memorial Service can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/857539662

Her tribute video may be viewed here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/WHDP4LZKL869BPYL

Brenda (Locken) Cummins passed away peacefully on August 22, 2023 - bringing a close to a long and fulfilling Earthly life defined by a sharp wit, a kind soul, and an indomitable fortitude. Born in Minot, North Dakota, in 1948 and raised within a family of farmers near Mohall, North Dakota, Brenda brought along her extended family’s no-nonsense work ethic and dry sense of humor when, as a young adult, she married into the US military “family” which brought her to several places across the US (Wyoming, Texas, California) before planting her in Las Vegas, Nevada where she raised her own family and lived for almost 40 years.

While in Las Vegas, Brenda taught first and second grade for almost 30 years. “Mrs. Cummins” was known by her students and colleagues as both a force to be reckoned with and as a compassionate student mentor who emphasized and modeled how being a “kind human” mattered just as much as the day’s lesson material of math and reading.

After retiring, Brenda moved back to North Dakota in 2019. During a subsequent interview for the Fargo Forum newspaper, Brenda noted how “I just wanted to come home…I’m thrilled to be home. There’s nothing else to say.”

Brenda loved all things music or the arts and could be easily found wherever good music, good food & drink, and good company were present. If an instrument, microphone, or glass were being raised in an act of joy, she would happily join in. Her decades of life were filled with countless songs, friends, life lessons, and, most importantly to her – laughter.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Olaf and Hazel Locken of Mohall, North Dakota, and her husband, Major Charles Cummins, USAF (Retired). She is survived by her children, Caitlin (Matt) Hess of Pennsylvania and Commander Eric (Kari) Cummins, USN, of Virginia; sister, Susan (Richard) Brudvik, of Fargo and brother, Wade (Bonnie) Locken of Mohall; and her grandchildren Maisy, Gavin, and Saoirse.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials that will be used towards the purchase of library books for a local elementary school in Fargo.

Donation can be made here on behalf of Brenda Cummins. http://bit.ly/Brenda_Cummins_Donation_Link