Dorothy Denny Cumber

Dorothy Jean Constance Denny Cumber April 22, 1934 – July 29, 2025 Gainesville, Virginia With heavy hearts, the family of Dorothy Jean Constance Denny Cumber, 91, of Gainesville, VA announces her peaceful passing, surrounded by family and love. The youngest of three girls, Dorothy was born on April 22, 1934 in Ogdensburg, NY to Sarah (Pearl) Baker and Arthur Denny. She grew up with her beloved sisters, Mary Vossler and Sally Muehleisen. She was preceded in death by two of her daughters, Judy (Stan) Alexander-Weber and Mary Ellen Rubel, as well as her granddaughter Stephanie Ellingson. Despite such profound losses, she remained a pillar of strength, grace and unconditional love to her family and community. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy and is survived by her children: Steven Cumber of Stafford, VA; Thomas (Kathy) Cumber of Gainesville, VA; David (Karen) Cumber of Virginia Beach, VA; Seana Smith of Lewes, DE; and Catherine (Steve) Gray of Round Hill, VA. She was a proud grandmother to: Scott (Elizabeth) Huffmaster, Jenna (Adam) Alexander, Christi (Dave) Alexander, Sarah (Matt) Cottrell-Cumber, Matthew (Nicole) Cottrell-Cumber, Tony (Crystal) Rivera-Silva, Travis (Patty) Rivera-Silva, Taylor (Matthew) Freedman, Jonathon (Ashley) Cumber, Kaitlyn (Tylor) Fee, Kassidy (Tanner) Chaney, Ryan Smith, Samantha Wheeler, Christian Tanner, James (Mary) Tanner, Joshua (Taylor) Tanner, and Alex Gray. She was also blessed with 25 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews. While many things defined Dorothy, known lovingly as “Denny” to most, three qualities formed the core of who she was: her unwavering Catholic faith, her calling as a caregiver, and her deep devotion to family. A Devout Catholic: Denny’s faith wasn’t just something she practiced; it was how she lived. She was a committed member of the Arlington Diocese and active in the Cursillo movement. She sang joyfully in the “Joyful Noise” choir at St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church in Fairfax, VA and was an Oblate of the St. Benedictine Monastery in Bristow, VA. She gave of herself tirelessly, whether volunteering at So Others May Eat (SOME), supporting the L’Arche community for adults with special needs, or visiting and caring for the sick and lonely. Her compassion and service were simply part of who she was. A Natural Caregiver: Denny’s nurturing spirit found its perfect home in nursing. After graduating from D’Youville University she began her nursing career. In the late 1960s after returning from Okinawa, Japan she started her longest nursing position at Inova Fairfax Hospital. She served in various units and ultimately became Director of Nursing. Her leadership, skill and warmth left a lasting impression on patients and colleagues alike. Her passion for caregiving extended into her family as well, where many of her children followed in her footsteps, working at the hospital in roles ranging from candy stripers to phlebotomists to clinical staff. Though she retired from nursing in the early 1990s, she never stopped caring for others, especially her growing family. A Devoted Matriarch: Above all, Denny was the proud heart of a large, close-knit, deeply loving family. With seven children, 18 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren and more on the way, she made it her mission to build and nurture every relationship. Whether babysitting, teaching the grandkids to bake her famous apple pies or banana bread, playing fiercely competitive games and cards, or simply offering a listening ear, she showed up with love, humor, and encouragement every time. She was a steady, joyful presence and unstoppable force of compassion and support. Everyone who knew her has their own stories and treasured memories, and in those, she will continue to live on guiding, loving and inspiring all of us. Visitation will be held at Pierce Funeral Home in Manassas, VA on Monday, August 4, 2025 from 6pm – 8pm. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Gainesville, VA followed by burial at St. Mary’s of Sorrow’s historic church, Fairfax Station, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to L'Arche Greater Washington, D.C.

Dorothy Denny Cumber

April 22, 1934 - July 29, 2025