Anna Victoria Kaminchaitis was the eldest daughter of six children born to Joseph Kaminchaitis and Katrina Vaitkunas. She also had two half siblings, Polly and Andrew "Heinzie," from her mother's first marriage. When she was older, Anna changed her surname to Cummings (as did some of her siblings).
In 1930, she was employed in lacing for a silk mill in Scranton.
06 Feb 1934, she married her first husband Albert Sossong in St. Michael's Church in Scranton. They had two daughters together, Annie "Little Annie" born 23 May 1935 and Mary Ann, born 09 Jun 1937. Sadly, Little Annie died at about 6 months old on 08 Dec 1935 of tuberculosis and meningitis. Sadly, Anna would lose her husband, Albert, to tuberculosis as well. He died 23 Mar 1938 in a TB hospital in Scranton.
On 24 Dec 1938, Anna married Frank Willis Coleman in Scranton. Sadly, Frank didn't live to see the birth of his son, having died of meningitis and tuberculosis 11 Jul 1939. Their son, Frank "Frankie" was born 04 Dec 1939.
Anna married a third and final time to Henry Dormagen on 19 Apr 1941 in Niagara Falls, NY. Together, they had three children, Barbara, Henry Jr. (Hanky) and Karen Ann.
Annie, as she was known, lived in Ransomville until her death in 1995. She did stay in touch with her Pennsylvania relatives and visited or had them visit her.
Her sister, Catherine "Kitty" West wrote a memorial for her:
I remember Annie when we were growing up and living at 2116 Price Street, Scranton, PA. Mom and Dad had eight mouths to feed - five boys and three girls - but many times there was room for one more. Nearby cousins and friends were available for "group" games played in the empty lot next to our yard - or we'd gather in the kitchen or basement for "family" games and had a lot of fun. There were seven years and three brothers between Annie and me. She liked to take me along when she sold plants from Mom's garden or blueberries we had all picked on a hike up the West Mountain. Being a little girl, the customers just might slip an extra nickel in my hand for a big ice cream cone and we shared our "extras."
When it was my turn to wash dishes and I wanted to hurry outside to play - I'd leave the pots and pans soaking under the sink. Annie would find them and finish my job for me.
I remember Annie when she was working and I was in Junior High. She would buy a new pair of shoes or a blouse - but when she wanted to wear them I was breaking them in! It was great to have a sister I could "borrow" from!
Annie grew up and married - and for a while she was happy - then tragedy struck and she was home again with her daughter, Marie. (Note from Sandra: believe she is referring to the death of her first husband, Albert Sossong, in 1938).
Another brief period of happiness and tragedy struck again (Note from Sandra: believe she is referring to the death of her second husband, Frank Coleman) and this time she was home again with Marie and Frankie, and the future looked bleak. It was hard to keep going but the children needed her and somehow she found the strength to weather the storm.
She moved into a home not far from us and with help, she managed to cope, but it was lonely until Henry (Dormagen) - kind, gentle Henry - came along. Friendship blossomed into love and they were maried on april 19, 1941 in Niagara Falls, NY. Henry had found a job in the Carborundum Company and they settled down. Henry was and is the best thing that happened to Annie - they've been together almost 54 years!
A few months after they were settled, I came to the Falls and got a job in the Carborundum office and stayed with Annie and Henry. Bill (West) left the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp and joined us - and we were married on August 28, 1941.
We all moved to a house on La Salle Avenue - Henry, Annie, Marie and Frankie downstairs and Bill and I upstairs. We were going to need more room for Kit (West), born May 1942, and Barbie (Dormagen), born in August 1942. In winter, we piled snow up to the roof of the garage to make a slide for the kids. In summer, we made trips to Hyde Park - one night we even cooled off under the fountain in the park!
The war years were so uncertain - and Bill and I and Kit left Niagara Falls for Cummings Pond, Clarks Summit, PA. and the "home" folks. Annie always thought it would be nice for them to go back someday, too - but Henry's work was here. They visited as often as they could; we looked forward to their coming and regretted the time to leave.
At first they were five - then Hank and Karen made seven. Peggy, Billy and Dave made six in our family. Each family get together meant swimming up the pond, picnics in the back yard, helping with the chores - getting to know and accept each other for what we are - and creating a bond that keeps families together - even when circumstances keep visits few and far between.
I remember Annie for all the knit sweaters, gloves and socks she sent to relatives and friends. I remember Annie now and for sure I'll remember Annie always! God be with her and God bless the dear ones who loved and cared for her and are left to carry on.
Sister Kitty West
Her obituary:
Anna V. Dormagen, 81, of Heritage Manor, Ransomville, died Friday (March 31, 1995) in Mount St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston.
The former Anna Cummings was born in Scranton, Pa., and she lived in Niagara Falls for many years. Her most recent home was on 88th Street.
She worked for several motels.
Survivors include her husband, Henry H. Sr.; two sons, Henry H. Jr. and Frank Coleman, both of Ransomville; two daughters, Karen DeSantis of Lockport and Barbara Jessup; two brothers, George Cummings of Scranton, Pa., and Leonard Cummings of Spring Hill, Fla.; a sister, Katherine West of Scranton; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Private services will be held Monday. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston.
In 1930, she was employed in lacing for a silk mill in Scranton.
06 Feb 1934, she married her first husband Albert Sossong in St. Michael's Church in Scranton. They had two daughters together, Annie "Little Annie" born 23 May 1935 and Mary Ann, born 09 Jun 1937. Sadly, Little Annie died at about 6 months old on 08 Dec 1935 of tuberculosis and meningitis. Sadly, Anna would lose her husband, Albert, to tuberculosis as well. He died 23 Mar 1938 in a TB hospital in Scranton.
On 24 Dec 1938, Anna married Frank Willis Coleman in Scranton. Sadly, Frank didn't live to see the birth of his son, having died of meningitis and tuberculosis 11 Jul 1939. Their son, Frank "Frankie" was born 04 Dec 1939.
Anna married a third and final time to Henry Dormagen on 19 Apr 1941 in Niagara Falls, NY. Together, they had three children, Barbara, Henry Jr. (Hanky) and Karen Ann.
Annie, as she was known, lived in Ransomville until her death in 1995. She did stay in touch with her Pennsylvania relatives and visited or had them visit her.
Her sister, Catherine "Kitty" West wrote a memorial for her:
I remember Annie when we were growing up and living at 2116 Price Street, Scranton, PA. Mom and Dad had eight mouths to feed - five boys and three girls - but many times there was room for one more. Nearby cousins and friends were available for "group" games played in the empty lot next to our yard - or we'd gather in the kitchen or basement for "family" games and had a lot of fun. There were seven years and three brothers between Annie and me. She liked to take me along when she sold plants from Mom's garden or blueberries we had all picked on a hike up the West Mountain. Being a little girl, the customers just might slip an extra nickel in my hand for a big ice cream cone and we shared our "extras."
When it was my turn to wash dishes and I wanted to hurry outside to play - I'd leave the pots and pans soaking under the sink. Annie would find them and finish my job for me.
I remember Annie when she was working and I was in Junior High. She would buy a new pair of shoes or a blouse - but when she wanted to wear them I was breaking them in! It was great to have a sister I could "borrow" from!
Annie grew up and married - and for a while she was happy - then tragedy struck and she was home again with her daughter, Marie. (Note from Sandra: believe she is referring to the death of her first husband, Albert Sossong, in 1938).
Another brief period of happiness and tragedy struck again (Note from Sandra: believe she is referring to the death of her second husband, Frank Coleman) and this time she was home again with Marie and Frankie, and the future looked bleak. It was hard to keep going but the children needed her and somehow she found the strength to weather the storm.
She moved into a home not far from us and with help, she managed to cope, but it was lonely until Henry (Dormagen) - kind, gentle Henry - came along. Friendship blossomed into love and they were maried on april 19, 1941 in Niagara Falls, NY. Henry had found a job in the Carborundum Company and they settled down. Henry was and is the best thing that happened to Annie - they've been together almost 54 years!
A few months after they were settled, I came to the Falls and got a job in the Carborundum office and stayed with Annie and Henry. Bill (West) left the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp and joined us - and we were married on August 28, 1941.
We all moved to a house on La Salle Avenue - Henry, Annie, Marie and Frankie downstairs and Bill and I upstairs. We were going to need more room for Kit (West), born May 1942, and Barbie (Dormagen), born in August 1942. In winter, we piled snow up to the roof of the garage to make a slide for the kids. In summer, we made trips to Hyde Park - one night we even cooled off under the fountain in the park!
The war years were so uncertain - and Bill and I and Kit left Niagara Falls for Cummings Pond, Clarks Summit, PA. and the "home" folks. Annie always thought it would be nice for them to go back someday, too - but Henry's work was here. They visited as often as they could; we looked forward to their coming and regretted the time to leave.
At first they were five - then Hank and Karen made seven. Peggy, Billy and Dave made six in our family. Each family get together meant swimming up the pond, picnics in the back yard, helping with the chores - getting to know and accept each other for what we are - and creating a bond that keeps families together - even when circumstances keep visits few and far between.
I remember Annie for all the knit sweaters, gloves and socks she sent to relatives and friends. I remember Annie now and for sure I'll remember Annie always! God be with her and God bless the dear ones who loved and cared for her and are left to carry on.
Sister Kitty West
Her obituary:
Anna V. Dormagen, 81, of Heritage Manor, Ransomville, died Friday (March 31, 1995) in Mount St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston.
The former Anna Cummings was born in Scranton, Pa., and she lived in Niagara Falls for many years. Her most recent home was on 88th Street.
She worked for several motels.
Survivors include her husband, Henry H. Sr.; two sons, Henry H. Jr. and Frank Coleman, both of Ransomville; two daughters, Karen DeSantis of Lockport and Barbara Jessup; two brothers, George Cummings of Scranton, Pa., and Leonard Cummings of Spring Hill, Fla.; a sister, Katherine West of Scranton; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Private services will be held Monday. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston.
Anna Victoria Kaminchaitis was the eldest daughter of six children born to Joseph Kaminchaitis and Katrina Vaitkunas. She also had two half siblings, Polly and Andrew "Heinzie," from her mother's first marriage. When she was older, Anna changed her surname to Cummings (as did some of her siblings).
In 1930, she was employed in lacing for a silk mill in Scranton.
06 Feb 1934, she married her first husband Albert Sossong in St. Michael's Church in Scranton. They had two daughters together, Annie "Little Annie" born 23 May 1935 and Mary Ann, born 09 Jun 1937. Sadly, Little Annie died at about 6 months old on 08 Dec 1935 of tuberculosis and meningitis. Sadly, Anna would lose her husband, Albert, to tuberculosis as well. He died 23 Mar 1938 in a TB hospital in Scranton.
On 24 Dec 1938, Anna married Frank Willis Coleman in Scranton. Sadly, Frank didn't live to see the birth of his son, having died of meningitis and tuberculosis 11 Jul 1939. Their son, Frank "Frankie" was born 04 Dec 1939.
Anna married a third and final time to Henry Dormagen on 19 Apr 1941 in Niagara Falls, NY. Together, they had three children, Barbara, Henry Jr. (Hanky) and Karen Ann.
Annie, as she was known, lived in Ransomville until her death in 1995. She did stay in touch with her Pennsylvania relatives and visited or had them visit her.
Her sister, Catherine "Kitty" West wrote a memorial for her:
I remember Annie when we were growing up and living at 2116 Price Street, Scranton, PA. Mom and Dad had eight mouths to feed - five boys and three girls - but many times there was room for one more. Nearby cousins and friends were available for "group" games played in the empty lot next to our yard - or we'd gather in the kitchen or basement for "family" games and had a lot of fun. There were seven years and three brothers between Annie and me. She liked to take me along when she sold plants from Mom's garden or blueberries we had all picked on a hike up the West Mountain. Being a little girl, the customers just might slip an extra nickel in my hand for a big ice cream cone and we shared our "extras."
When it was my turn to wash dishes and I wanted to hurry outside to play - I'd leave the pots and pans soaking under the sink. Annie would find them and finish my job for me.
I remember Annie when she was working and I was in Junior High. She would buy a new pair of shoes or a blouse - but when she wanted to wear them I was breaking them in! It was great to have a sister I could "borrow" from!
Annie grew up and married - and for a while she was happy - then tragedy struck and she was home again with her daughter, Marie. (Note from Sandra: believe she is referring to the death of her first husband, Albert Sossong, in 1938).
Another brief period of happiness and tragedy struck again (Note from Sandra: believe she is referring to the death of her second husband, Frank Coleman) and this time she was home again with Marie and Frankie, and the future looked bleak. It was hard to keep going but the children needed her and somehow she found the strength to weather the storm.
She moved into a home not far from us and with help, she managed to cope, but it was lonely until Henry (Dormagen) - kind, gentle Henry - came along. Friendship blossomed into love and they were maried on april 19, 1941 in Niagara Falls, NY. Henry had found a job in the Carborundum Company and they settled down. Henry was and is the best thing that happened to Annie - they've been together almost 54 years!
A few months after they were settled, I came to the Falls and got a job in the Carborundum office and stayed with Annie and Henry. Bill (West) left the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp and joined us - and we were married on August 28, 1941.
We all moved to a house on La Salle Avenue - Henry, Annie, Marie and Frankie downstairs and Bill and I upstairs. We were going to need more room for Kit (West), born May 1942, and Barbie (Dormagen), born in August 1942. In winter, we piled snow up to the roof of the garage to make a slide for the kids. In summer, we made trips to Hyde Park - one night we even cooled off under the fountain in the park!
The war years were so uncertain - and Bill and I and Kit left Niagara Falls for Cummings Pond, Clarks Summit, PA. and the "home" folks. Annie always thought it would be nice for them to go back someday, too - but Henry's work was here. They visited as often as they could; we looked forward to their coming and regretted the time to leave.
At first they were five - then Hank and Karen made seven. Peggy, Billy and Dave made six in our family. Each family get together meant swimming up the pond, picnics in the back yard, helping with the chores - getting to know and accept each other for what we are - and creating a bond that keeps families together - even when circumstances keep visits few and far between.
I remember Annie for all the knit sweaters, gloves and socks she sent to relatives and friends. I remember Annie now and for sure I'll remember Annie always! God be with her and God bless the dear ones who loved and cared for her and are left to carry on.
Sister Kitty West
Her obituary:
Anna V. Dormagen, 81, of Heritage Manor, Ransomville, died Friday (March 31, 1995) in Mount St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston.
The former Anna Cummings was born in Scranton, Pa., and she lived in Niagara Falls for many years. Her most recent home was on 88th Street.
She worked for several motels.
Survivors include her husband, Henry H. Sr.; two sons, Henry H. Jr. and Frank Coleman, both of Ransomville; two daughters, Karen DeSantis of Lockport and Barbara Jessup; two brothers, George Cummings of Scranton, Pa., and Leonard Cummings of Spring Hill, Fla.; a sister, Katherine West of Scranton; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Private services will be held Monday. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston.
In 1930, she was employed in lacing for a silk mill in Scranton.
06 Feb 1934, she married her first husband Albert Sossong in St. Michael's Church in Scranton. They had two daughters together, Annie "Little Annie" born 23 May 1935 and Mary Ann, born 09 Jun 1937. Sadly, Little Annie died at about 6 months old on 08 Dec 1935 of tuberculosis and meningitis. Sadly, Anna would lose her husband, Albert, to tuberculosis as well. He died 23 Mar 1938 in a TB hospital in Scranton.
On 24 Dec 1938, Anna married Frank Willis Coleman in Scranton. Sadly, Frank didn't live to see the birth of his son, having died of meningitis and tuberculosis 11 Jul 1939. Their son, Frank "Frankie" was born 04 Dec 1939.
Anna married a third and final time to Henry Dormagen on 19 Apr 1941 in Niagara Falls, NY. Together, they had three children, Barbara, Henry Jr. (Hanky) and Karen Ann.
Annie, as she was known, lived in Ransomville until her death in 1995. She did stay in touch with her Pennsylvania relatives and visited or had them visit her.
Her sister, Catherine "Kitty" West wrote a memorial for her:
I remember Annie when we were growing up and living at 2116 Price Street, Scranton, PA. Mom and Dad had eight mouths to feed - five boys and three girls - but many times there was room for one more. Nearby cousins and friends were available for "group" games played in the empty lot next to our yard - or we'd gather in the kitchen or basement for "family" games and had a lot of fun. There were seven years and three brothers between Annie and me. She liked to take me along when she sold plants from Mom's garden or blueberries we had all picked on a hike up the West Mountain. Being a little girl, the customers just might slip an extra nickel in my hand for a big ice cream cone and we shared our "extras."
When it was my turn to wash dishes and I wanted to hurry outside to play - I'd leave the pots and pans soaking under the sink. Annie would find them and finish my job for me.
I remember Annie when she was working and I was in Junior High. She would buy a new pair of shoes or a blouse - but when she wanted to wear them I was breaking them in! It was great to have a sister I could "borrow" from!
Annie grew up and married - and for a while she was happy - then tragedy struck and she was home again with her daughter, Marie. (Note from Sandra: believe she is referring to the death of her first husband, Albert Sossong, in 1938).
Another brief period of happiness and tragedy struck again (Note from Sandra: believe she is referring to the death of her second husband, Frank Coleman) and this time she was home again with Marie and Frankie, and the future looked bleak. It was hard to keep going but the children needed her and somehow she found the strength to weather the storm.
She moved into a home not far from us and with help, she managed to cope, but it was lonely until Henry (Dormagen) - kind, gentle Henry - came along. Friendship blossomed into love and they were maried on april 19, 1941 in Niagara Falls, NY. Henry had found a job in the Carborundum Company and they settled down. Henry was and is the best thing that happened to Annie - they've been together almost 54 years!
A few months after they were settled, I came to the Falls and got a job in the Carborundum office and stayed with Annie and Henry. Bill (West) left the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp and joined us - and we were married on August 28, 1941.
We all moved to a house on La Salle Avenue - Henry, Annie, Marie and Frankie downstairs and Bill and I upstairs. We were going to need more room for Kit (West), born May 1942, and Barbie (Dormagen), born in August 1942. In winter, we piled snow up to the roof of the garage to make a slide for the kids. In summer, we made trips to Hyde Park - one night we even cooled off under the fountain in the park!
The war years were so uncertain - and Bill and I and Kit left Niagara Falls for Cummings Pond, Clarks Summit, PA. and the "home" folks. Annie always thought it would be nice for them to go back someday, too - but Henry's work was here. They visited as often as they could; we looked forward to their coming and regretted the time to leave.
At first they were five - then Hank and Karen made seven. Peggy, Billy and Dave made six in our family. Each family get together meant swimming up the pond, picnics in the back yard, helping with the chores - getting to know and accept each other for what we are - and creating a bond that keeps families together - even when circumstances keep visits few and far between.
I remember Annie for all the knit sweaters, gloves and socks she sent to relatives and friends. I remember Annie now and for sure I'll remember Annie always! God be with her and God bless the dear ones who loved and cared for her and are left to carry on.
Sister Kitty West
Her obituary:
Anna V. Dormagen, 81, of Heritage Manor, Ransomville, died Friday (March 31, 1995) in Mount St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston.
The former Anna Cummings was born in Scranton, Pa., and she lived in Niagara Falls for many years. Her most recent home was on 88th Street.
She worked for several motels.
Survivors include her husband, Henry H. Sr.; two sons, Henry H. Jr. and Frank Coleman, both of Ransomville; two daughters, Karen DeSantis of Lockport and Barbara Jessup; two brothers, George Cummings of Scranton, Pa., and Leonard Cummings of Spring Hill, Fla.; a sister, Katherine West of Scranton; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Private services will be held Monday. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston.
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