Frances A. Cummins
Frances A. Cummins, formerly Frances Macrae, 80, died peacefully on July 16, 2014. Frances and Jack Macrae lived in Snedens from 1957 to 1974 with their four children John, Liza, Phebe and Annabel. The couple had incredible style and relished the magic of Snedens and the Palisades community of the time.
In 1964 the Macraes bought the Seven Oaks property together with Grace and Win Knowlton. Frances restored the gardens and much of the large house. While at Seven Oaks the Macraes were active at the Palisades Library and in democratic politics, often sponsoring great 1970s style fundraisers at their home.
Francis and Jack were often found on the Snedens tennis court, together or individually, though Frances could never beat friends Franny Breer or Grace Knowlton. Frances and her lifelong friend Judy Tomkins had great fun bringing up their collective children together; spoiling them with incredible picnics, allowing them to run wild through the countryside, and teaching them the art of living life simply and with great beauty.
Frances returned to Kentucky after her marriage to Jack ended but always kept the memory of her life in Snedens close in her heart. She and her children have continued to make Judy's house their adopted Snedens home. In late July, Jack Macrae, his wife Paula, the Macrae children, grandchildren and old Snedens friends met at Judy's house to celebrate their memories of Frances and all her great gifts.