Vivian "Gena" Gene Cummings

She was born on June 3, 1931, in Stanfield, Oregon, to Frank Nudo and Elizabeth Fuscaldo, and was raised in Stanfield.

Gena attended and graduated from Commerce/Cleveland High School and began her working life at Miller Paint. On October 25, 1953, she married Bob Osborne. She later devoted herself fully to raising their three children—Sandra, Steven, and Gregg—a role she embraced with deep love, patience, and adaptability.

In the 1970s, Gena reentered the workforce with Airway Rent-A-Car, where she enjoyed meeting people and collecting the stories that she would later share so vividly. She later transitioned into a successful career as a professional employment counselor. Her talent and dedication earned her numerous recognitions, including Recruiter of the Year in 1980 at Search Northwest, Inc., as well as a Certificate of Merit from Snelling & Snelling. Later in her career, Gena worked for Western Business School, traveling to high schools throughout the Portland area to help students explore future career opportunities in fields such as culinary arts, computer applications, bookkeeping, legal assisting, medical assisting, office administration, and fashion merchandising.

Later in life, she reconnected with a high school acquaintance, Claud Cummings. The two were married on August 4, 1990, at Pioneer Church in Portland, Oregon, beginning a loving new chapter together.

Though not formally affiliated with a specific church, Gena held a deep and personal faith and was a strong believer in God. Her spirituality was often reflected in her holistic approach to life—caring for her mind, body, and spirit—and she remained proudly independent and health-conscious well into her 90s.

Gena lived life with energy, style, and enthusiasm. She loved shopping, decorating her home, attending and participating in Triumph car shows, and watching sports—especially football, basketball, car racing, and horse racing. She had a lifelong love of music and dancing and was always ready to enjoy a good time.

She was known for her generous spirit, outgoing nature, and genuine warmth. Gena was always deeply curious about the world around her. She was a strong advocate for children with special needs and for those who were underserved, always standing up for others with compassion and conviction.

Gena had a beautiful spirit and a wonderful sense of humor. She told unforgettable stories, remembered remarkable details, and offered thoughtful advice to those who needed it. She was fiercely independent, spoke her mind with confidence, and carried an enduring optimism that inspired those around her. She showed gratitude freely and encouraged others to do the same.

She is survived by her children, Sandra Osborne, Gregg Osborne; her stepchildren, Jeff Cummings, Lee Anne Van Order, and Sherri Laing; and was preceded in death by her husband, Claud Cummings and her son, Steven Osborne. She also leaves behind grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many beloved extended family members, including wonderful bonus grandchildren and great-grandchildren through her blended family.

Gena will be remembered as a loving mother, a vibrant and well-put-together woman who “dressed to the nines,” and someone who lived fully, loved deeply, and brought joy wherever she went.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Lincoln Memorial Park & Funeral Home in Portland, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in her honor to an animal shelter of your choice or to Easterseals, supporting opportunities for children and adults with disabilities, veterans, and their families.