Elizabeth "Bette" Frances Cummings

Elizabeth (Bette) Frances Hessel was born in Kewaunee, Wisconsin on June 23rd, 1942 to Arnold and Laura Hessel.

After graduating from college, Bette got her first teaching job, along with a brand new purple convertible. She taught for several years in Wisconsin before applying for a Department of Defense (DoD) teaching position overseas.

While overseas, she met the love of her life, Bob, and married him in Gaeta, Italy in April 1968. One year later they became the proud parents of an active little boy named Eric. Seven months later, after living in Italy and a short stint in the States, they settled in Hong Kong in December of 1969. They ended up living in Hong Kong for 4 years; welcomed their daughter Sharon, and enjoyed taking many vacations to different countries. After living in Hong Kong they moved to Yokosuka, Japan for a little over a year.

In the summer of 1976 the Cummings’ family moved to Port Orchard. Bette subbed in the South Kitsap School District for a short term before being hired as an elementary teacher. In her time at SKSD she taught at Givens Elementary, EPO, as well as Sidney Glen. She then moved to the Bremerton School District to finish out her career at Kitsap Lake Elementary.
In addition to teaching, Bette was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma. She was the State Editor for many years before becoming the State President.

After retiring from teaching, she became a very active volunteer with St. Gabriel’s Church. She loved helping others and volunteered in a variety of roles ranging from Eucharistic Minister, visiting the sick in the hospital, and being a member of the Legion of Mary. Besides volunteering, Bette continued traveling every year and enjoying her grandchildren. She was so dearly loved by her family. She was an amazing person who loved deeply, enjoyed life to the fullest and always had a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

Bette is survived by her husband Bob (and her beloved yorkies, Bubba and Zoe), son Eric (April) daughter Sharon (Shawn) and her five grandchildren: Kyle, Kyra, John, Christie, and David.