Ilene McMahon Cummings

In Loving Memory of Ilene McMahon Cummings

Ilene McMahon Cummings, born on July 12, 1931, in Bristol, Pennsylvania, left this world on October 16, 2024, in Eugene, Oregon, at the age of 93. A woman of compassion, boundless love, and enduring belief in humanity, Ilene touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Preceded in death by her parents, Arthur Edward McMahon and Ellen Gertrude McMahon, and her former husband, James Cummings Sr., Ilene found her greatest joy in her family. She often said her proudest achievement was raising her five children: Kathleen Cummings-Kole, Patricia Daniells, Maureen Quinlan (Dave Quinlan), James Cummings (Caroline Cummings), and Daniel Cummings (Liz Cummings). Her legacy extends through her eight beloved grandchildren—Michael John Kole (Shannon Tates Kole), Ilene Kole, Laura Elizabeth Roy (Chris Roy), Daniel Jump, Beau Gentry (Angel Gentry), Zach Gentry (Laura Gentry), Whitney Tittelfitz (Jensen Tittlefitz), and Daniel Patrick Cummings—as well as her 9 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Alan McMahon (Arlene McMahon), and her niece, Kelly Ellen McMahon, and two nephews, Jon McMahon and Brendan McMahon (Rachel McMahon).

Ilene’s life was marked by a deep commitment to learning and spiritual growth. She earned a Master’s in Human Development from Fairleigh Dickinson University at the age of 46 and a Doctorate of Ministry in Spirituality and Human Development from the University of Creation Spirituality at 72. These academic achievements were a testament to her belief that it is never too late to pursue one's dreams.

As a trailblazer in the field of human development, Ilene founded the first women’s program at Ocean County College in 1975. She became renowned for her unique ability to guide women in overcoming their stressors, unleashing awakenings, and finding their inner strength. She led countless women’s and men’s groups and weekend retreats, helping individuals of all ages heal from trauma, loss, and pain, and discover hope on the other side.

Ilene loved to write about her learnings. She published three books that reflected her insights on aging and spiritual growth: Your Soul Your Song: 10 Commandments for Living (2015), The Truth Is at My Front Door: Spiritual Direction for Aging Beautifully (2016), and The Lavender Lace Bra: Wisdom Thoughts on Aging Beautifully (2011). Through her writing, she shared her wisdom with readers far and wide, offering guidance on how to live a fulfilling and spiritually enriched life.

Ilene’s journey took her from Island Heights, NJ, where she raised her family, to San Francisco, CA where she grew her human development practice; Cary, NC; and finally retiring in Eugene, OR. In every place she called home, she built a community of love and compassion. 

Ilene McMahon Cummings was a beacon of light and resilience, a woman whose life’s work was dedicated to helping others find healing and hope. Her warmth, compassion, and deep connection to every human she sat with, will be missed by all who knew her. Ilene was a member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). 

Her family invites those who loved Ilene to join them in celebrating her extraordinary life and the indelible mark she left on this world by adding your comments to this post.