Obituary: Renée Cummings, 75, Hood River
Renée was born in Portland, Oregon on February 18th, 1949, and was 75 years old at the time of her passing at her Hood River, Oregon home on June 15th, 2024.
Renée’s dad was a pilot during World War II and retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1968. This provided Renée with the experience of living in many places in the USA as well as Japan and Spain. Renée graduated from Torrejon’ Air Base High School in Madrid, Spain in 1967. Renée traveled throughout Europe when her classes allowed.
Renée enrolled at Oregon State University in Education and in the Spring of 1970, she met Paul (the love of her life) and they married in July of 1972.
Renée’s first year of teaching was in St. Helens, Oregon. Soon thereafter, she and Paul moved to Hood River, Oregon where she taught Reading and third grade at Frankton Elementary School and then moved to May Street Elementary where she taught first grade. After 18 years of teaching, she left education to help in her husband’s auto repair business. However, she didn’t leave education as she became a freelance writer producing activity books for kids and resource books for teachers & parents. At last count, she had over 100 books in print.
Renée had a love for all animals, especially cats. She always had one or more inside cats and several outside visitors too.
As her health deteriorated, she became an avid reader, when Paul would come home, he could usually find her on the couch with a good book. She would always share the characters and plots as they would unfold, it was always a treat.
Renée is survived by her husband of 52 years, Paul; older brother, Thomas W. Lloyd and wife, Susan; younger brother, Andrew “Andy” Lloyd; adopted son, Chuck Walston; and numerous nieces and nephews.
At Renée’s request, there will be no formal service as she just wanted to slip away quietly and peacefully.
In Renée’s name, a donation to a local animal or humane shelter can be made.
