Lallah M. Cummings, 80, of Hamburg, New York passed away on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025 after a lengthy illness.
Although she never trained or drove Standardbreds for a living, Mrs. Cummings had a profound influence on the sport. She was the matriarch of one of the most prolific racing families ever to compete in Western New York. After marrying her late husband, John P. Cummings (who both trained and drove horses), she had five children; four of which went into racing full time. John Jr., Tony, Todd and Kevin are all trainer/drivers as is Todd’s son, Kyle. All have been competing at Batavia Downs starting in the late 1970s and all are still active in the sport today. With the many years of love and support from Lallah, the Cummings clan has been responsible for winning a combined 10,956 races and $56,807,508 USD in purses.
She was a strong family-first woman, but Mrs. Cummings was also a long-time employee of H&R Block and EG Tax Services. She was a friend to everyone who knew her and will be missed by the many people whose lives she touched throughout her life.
Lallah Cummings (nee Flanigen) was the beloved wife of the late John P. Cummings Sr.; devoted mother of John P. (Megan) Cummings Jr., Anthony (Barbara) Cummings, Colleen (Tim) Gallagher, Todd (Tammy) Cummings and Kevin (Rhonda) Cummings; loving daughter of the late Stephen and late Emma (nee Lore) Flanigen; dear sister of Florence Flanigen, late Edwin (late Lucille) Flanigen, late Sally (late Alvin) Hoddick, late Mary (James) Norris and late Stephen (Mary) Flanigen Jr.; cherished grandmother of 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, Aug. 16 at 11 a.m. from St. John Paul II Church in Lake View, New York.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roswell Park Alliance. Memories, stories, condolences or donations can be shared at lakesidefuneralhome.com.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the the family and friends of Lallah Cummings.
(Batavia Downs)