Edith Elizabeth Lehmann Cummins

Edith Elizabeth Lehmann Cummins, age 90, of Pittsboro, died Sunday, May 2, 2021 at UNC Hospital.

Edith was born in Germany on March 23, 1931 to the late Wily Lehmann and Anne Elizabeth Ella Schultz Lehmann. She was also preceded in death by her husband John Gaylord Cummins and grandson Gabriel Boone Cummins.

She was the family historian and could tell stories about her family members going back to the late 1700’s. She was also a born adventurer ahead of her time. She emigrated alone at a young age to Sweden after WWII and then to the United States in the 1950’s. Edith worked in medical research at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore where she met her husband, Gayle. They moved to New Orleans, LA where she was employed by Touro Infirmary, and later be came a Massage Therapist, working at the 1992 Olympic track and field trials. Edith loved New Orleans and was a fixture there-as the “Cookie Lady” at the French Market, as a disco dance instructor with Arthur Murray, and as a batik artist, for which she was recognized by the National Museum of Women in the Arts in DC. When Edith became Oma in 1999, her purpose shifted from her own adventures to making sure her grandchildren knew they were citizens of the World, not just NC. She cooked food from other cultures, took them on imaginary adventures with homemade passports, shared countless stories, and loved her family fiercely. She strove to teach us all through example to live life unapologetically and with a great sense of humor.

Surviving relatives include her son, John Cummins and wife Julie of Pittsboro, and granddaughter Elly Blue Cummins of Chapel Hill.

There are no services planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Edith’s memory to a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfunerals.com

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Cummins family.