Our beautiful and beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Jo Ann Andersen Cummings passed away at home on October 31, 2021 surrounded by her adoring family.
Jo Ann was born May 16, 1938 in Salt Lake City, Utah to her devoted parents, Mildred Lucile Hansen and Daniel Lundgreen Andersen. She is the fourth of five children and always enjoyed a close and loving relationship with all of her siblings. Family is the most important thing to Jo Ann. Whether in a quiet conversation at home or at a family reunion with her 105 first cousins, she cherished her family ties. She was proud of her Danish heritage in her Hansen and Andersen families and she loved her Cummings relatives.
She attended Washington Elementary, Horace Mann Jr. High, West High School, and the University of Utah, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Education.
On August 16, 1962, Jo Ann married Robert Campbell Cummings, the love of her life, in the Manti Temple. They enjoyed a wonderfully happy marriage of 59 years. Their relationship has been a model of respect, love, and friendship that blessed their four children, Matt, Mike, Jenny, and Lizzy, with a loving, stable, and fun home to grow up in. There is not a more dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother than Jo Ann. Family is her greatest joy and her number one priority.
Jo Ann’s work ethic started early with her first job at AAA at age 14 where she refined her exceptional secretarial skills. A gifted teacher, she taught 3rd Grade at Canyon Rim Elementary where she influenced many children and developed her love and knowledge of children’s literature. She had a wonderful ability to make learning fun.
Jo Ann traveled widely, from Europe to Israel to Hawaii. She especially loved visiting Paris, and Denmark, the beloved home of her ancestors. While in Germany visiting her brother Dan Wayne and family, she was called to serve a mini-mission, serving as the Secretary to the President of the German Mission. She thoroughly enjoyed this special opportunity to serve the Lord and support the work in the mission home. Closer to home, her favorite escapes were Bear Lake and the family cabin where she loved spending time with family away from the distractions of daily life.
Jo Ann was a masterful pianist who could play nearly anything. She especially enjoyed accompanying others, which she did hundreds of times over the years. Her family will miss listening to her play everything from Rachmaninoff to show tunes.
Service was a hallmark of Jo Ann’s life. She served on the Executive Board of the Festival of Trees for over 40 years where she led as a Co-Chair for a number of years and as the head of many departments. During that time, she donated over 3000 of her famous homemade pecan logs. We will miss those delicacies! She loved helping children and truly lived by the Primary Children’s Hospital motto: The Child First and Always. Jo Ann adored her Festival friends and cherished the memories she made with them. Jo Ann also served as PTA president at Ensign Elementary for many years and volunteered frequently at Ensign, Bryant, East, and West.
Jo Ann was blessed with the best of friends who brought her so much joy. She treasured her relationships with her high school friends, bowling friends, Literary friends, book club friends, church friends, dinner group friends, Festival friends, and friends from many other parts of her life. They were all important to her.
Jo Ann was always the last to leave any gathering, savoring every last moment. She didn’t seek out attention but her magnetic personality made her the life of every party. Her quick and dry wit kept us laughing constantly, as she could find humor in almost anything and never took herself too seriously. Making others feel included came easy to her because she saw the value in everyone.
A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jo Ann lived and loved the gospel fully and delighted in seeing her children and grandchildren stand strong in the faith. She was proud of her pioneer heritage and never wavered in her testimony. She faithfully served in many ward and stake callings including as President of the Relief Society, Primary, Stake Young Women, and her favorite, as Primary Chorister.
Her husband and children will lovingly remember her unconditional love, unforgettable holidays, and heart-to-heart talks at all hours. A talented homemaker and legendary cook, no one will ever make better mashed potatoes or baklava.
Her grandchildren couldn’t adore her more. She was their biggest fan, making each one feel uniquely loved. She relished each recital, graduation, and visit. She loved giving personalized gifts to celebrate their special moments and she was always ready to play a game. They will miss their beloved G-ma more than words can say!
Jo Ann is survived by her husband; four children, Matthew Robert (SueEllen Kesler), Michael Daniel (Emily Wilcox), Jennifer Ann, and Elizabeth Jo; grandchildren, Jack, Elle, Ellie (Jeff), Audrey, Anina, Greta, Rebekah, Cole, Clara, James, Maxwell, Charles, and Nicholas; two brothers, Ronald Andersen and Craig Andersen (Rusty); sisters-in-law, Julie Cummings, Angela Cummings, Gloria Andersen; and many nieces, and nephews.
Jo Ann is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Coralee LeCheminant; brother, Dan Wayne Andersen; sisters-in-law, Lina Andersen, Sabra Andersen, Joan Andersen, Joy Andersen; and brothers-in-law, Stan LeCheminant, Richard Cummings, and Bruce Cummings.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 8, 2021 at 12:00 PM at the LDS Chapel located at 680 2nd Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84013. Family and friends may visit with the family from 10:30 - 11:30am at the ward building prior to Monday’s funeral service, or on Sunday evening, November 7th, 2021 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84111.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Primary Children’s Hospital or Festival of Trees.
Recorded graveside services can be view here https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/RVOos5iU3qHU_1MnMHyNHuvqA0iXJSbdLK489ALHE_3sPxEsLi2LWxRrz-WGwBh1.S5jOPw_2DNo-gK0N?startTime=1636406856000
Mike, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. My prayers & thoughts go out to you & your family for the loss of your beloved mother.
JoAnn treated everyone like they were the most important person. Her humor was unmatched. I remember when she was the Primary Chorister, she kept the adults laughing and the kids engaged. It was amazing. Several times when I wanted to get ready for a music audition, I would call JoAnn and she would run through the pieces with me and even record them so I could practice at home. I love JoAnn and the whole Cummings crew. Prayers of love and comfort for your family.
What a sweet, wonderful woman. I loved visiting in her warm and friendly home. We will all miss her bright smile and her unending kindness.
Matt, Mike, Jenny and Lizzy-
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. Aunt Jo Ann is one of my favorite people. She was always so fun to be around and always made me laugh with her great sense of humor, Just thinking of her brings joy, laughter and great memories to me. She will truly be missed.
As much as Aunt Jo Ann will be missed, I do know there is a big reunion/party going on right now that my grandma is so happy to be having with her…what a time that must be. Family is the best and the Andersen family showed it.
Love you and keeping you in my prayers.
Love -Alli Gardner Spjut
I am so so sorry for your loss. I knew JoAnn from our many years of service with Festival of Trees. I loved her so much. She was funny, creative and a joy to work with. She was a big part of my Festival Life and I cherished her friendship. I will miss her very much. I send my love and sympathy to you all.
We've both known JoAnn nearly our entire lives, and have enjoyed a wonderful friendship with her and Bob and their children for many years. We've always admired her wit and humor, her kindness and generosity, and her genuineness as a friend and neighbor. She always had a way of making one feel welcome and valued and we remember so many times where we had such a pleasant visit with her and Bob and Jenny, Anina and others of their family. A good laugh and a lively conversation was always the result. We will miss her greatly but will continue to treasure our time with her and continue to enjoy our ties with her wonderful family. May you all feel the Savior's complete love and empathy at this tender time, and may you each find comfort in knowing you'll be reunited with her again. Let only the best and most loving of your memories of this elect lady comfort you and continue to be with you throughout your lives.
Rich and Natalie
Jo Ann was a great friend, teacher and supporter to me for many years. I since moved away yet her humor and wit has forever touched me and stayed with me. I am saddened for her loss and extend my love to the family. I have and will forever miss our musical collaborations and warm conversations.
With love, Natalie
Dear Cummings family,
I was one of the many children your mother influenced. She was my third grade teacher and my favorite by far. She has been in my life for close to 60 years although she may not have known it. Your mother read to us in class every day and I’m sure that’s where I got my love for books and reading. One time she took me, LeeAnn Coles, and LeeAnn Dorius to a pool to go swimming. That was a treat for me. I remember when Mathew’s picture was in the paper as a baby, I cut it out and taped it to my report card. One year I did see her at the Festival of the Trees. I was so happy to visit with her, that was my gift that year. Whenever I was in the avenues I had to go to M street and see if your mom was home. More than likely no one was but I caught her a few times. The last time was in 2018. Your gracious dad answered and went to get her. She was tired but funny. She had stayed awake most of the night so she could watch live the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. She wanted to see the real thing. We visited for a few minutes as my daughter was waiting in the car but I hope I let her know how much I loved her and how important she was to me. I will miss her and know how much you will all miss not having her there. Heaven got a jewel - I will keep you in my prayers.
Love to you all,
Robyn Packer
Dear Cummings neighbors!
Growing up on M Street you were my second family. I adored each of you! It seems there were no property boundaries between our homes, as we seamlessly blended the fun and frenzy of our families of similarly aged children.
I’d walk freely in and out of your home for meals, games, hide-n-seek, summer mid-day treats, books, water fights, sleep overs, fun galore.
Just thinking about Jo Ann brings a smile to my face, as she always had a smile on hers, no matter the chaos and conundrums we children committed!
I remember vividly her quick mind and humor, her contagious laugh, her radiant countenance and spirit!
She was unjudgemental, go with the flow, light hearted. She made life look easy and life feel joyful.
I remember her musical skills fondly, her accompaniment to many, her good hearted service, her sweet culinary delights!
It has been many years since I’ve been in her kind company, yet I recall keenly the many attributes that made her pure pleasure to know and so easy to love! 💖
Jo Ann was a remarkable woman. I always felt a warmth about her and from her for my entire life. I've not seen her for a long while, but her memory is vivid. My sympathies to the family and especially Bob as you navigate forward with out her here. Her influence will go on. Hold each other near...
Jan LeCheminant
Cummings family, how proud of her husband, children and grandchildren was Aunt Jo Ann! As many have mentioned, she made every person in her home feel welcome and a part of the family. I personally knew in my heart that I was her favorite niece, but accepted that she loved everyone equally :) I will forever remember family trips, sleepovers, holidays, Christmas Meadows with such joy and happy memories. Thank you for sharing your beautiful wife, mother, and grandmother with the rest of the world. All my love! Annie
Dear Bob and family,
I was so sorry to hear of JoAnn's passing. What a dear sweet friend she was to me especially when we lived in the Ensign 3rd Ward in the Avenues. I remember her fun sense of humor and how she made everyone around her feel loved. She was so talented and shared her skills with everyone. I still make many recipes she shared with me. She accompanied me many times when I sang on numerous programs.
What a great leader and teacher she was as I worked with her in Church callings. She was a true Christlike example.
May the Lord bless you and your family as you go through this difficult time.
With my love and prayers,
Mary Whitchurch
I just heard the news today. I’m so sorry to the family, but I bet she’s running all over meeting and greeting friends and family. Loving every minute! She made a point to go out of her way to greet people. She reminded me of her mom, always so warm and friendly! I will never forget her!