Kristen L. Cummings,65, of Ashby

Ashby – With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Kristen L. (Hanson) Cummings, 65, of Ashby, who died peacefully on Monday evening, February 16, 2026, at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack after a courageous two year battle with cancer, surrounded by her family. Kris was born in Arlington, MA, on October 15, 1960, the daughter of the late Neil B. and Marion A. (Engebretson) Hanson. She grew up in Bedford and graduated from Bedford High School in 1978. Kris had a strong work ethic and spent many years in office administration. Over the course of her career, she worked in several administrative and office management roles, including positions at Millipore, Data Terminal Systems, The First Church of Lancaster, and later Hannigan Engineering in Leominster, where she retired. She also enjoyed seasonal work with the accounting firm Faragher & Henebry in Clinton, forming many lasting friendships along the way. Kris had a gift for bringing joy wherever she went. Her warmth, enthusiasm, and easy laughter made her a natural at forming instant connections. A creative soul, she loved working with her hands, finding comfort and delight in each project she brought to life. She lived in Lunenburg for many years, where she poured her heart into her landscaping and perennial gardens and found quiet joy relaxing beside her beautiful pool. After moving to Ashby, she went on to develop many new friendships and was instrumental in helping behind the scenes for the Friends of Ashby Council on Aging, Inc. to grow into the success it has become for the Town. At her home on the pond, Kris found daily delight in feeding the turtles, tending her perennial gardens, and carefully crafting her stone borders. She loved taking a leisurely paddleboat ride around the water—often with an afternoon cocktail in hand. Annual trips to Montego Bay with Gary were a cherished highlight, as were her occasional “girls’ weekends,” filled with fun and laughter. Above all, Kris was a proud grandmother, and her grandson Shane was the light of her life. Kris is survived by her partner, Gary H. Asher, M.D., of Ashby; her daughter, Courtney Morse of Ashby; her beloved grandson, Shane Morse of Ashby; and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, William H. “Hal” Cummings, and her brothers, Neil Hanson, Jr. and Kyle Hanson. Visiting hours will be held at T. J. Anderson & Son Funeral Home, 250 Main St., Townsend, on Friday, February 27, from 4 to 7 PM. A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be mailed to the Community Hospice House, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054 (Attn: Philanthropy) or online at www.hhhc.org.

Tributes

Kristen L. Cummings,65, of Ashby

October 15, 1960 - February 16, 2026