With heavy hearts and loving memories, we announce the passing of a remarkable woman whose big personality filled every room she entered. Carol E. F. Cumings (better known as Diddy), of Troy, NH, died on February 7, 2026. She was born November 19, 1942 in Springfield, VT, to Robert and Virginia (Woods) Fairbanks. She was a graduate of Springfield (VT) High School, class of 1960. Diddy was one of a kind—bold, funny, stubborn in the best way, and deeply devoted to her family.

She was a great cook, known for meals that brought everyone to the table, especially her cinnamon rolls. A reader at heart, she loved her books just as much as her celebrity magazines. She never missed a chance to enjoy card games, especially cribbage where her greatest achievement was getting a 29 hand. She also enjoyed dice games and bingo. Proud of her Irish heritage, she was blessed with the true gift of gab and could strike up a conversation with anyone. More than one person was convinced she had kissed the Blarney Stone, and when she finally had the chance to do so, she said it wasn’t necessary.

Her soundtrack of choice included Elvis, George Strait, and George Thorogood, usually played loudly with lots of dancing. And of course, on St. Paddy’s Day she played Irish music proudly.

She was the mother of five children: Kelly Budd and her husband Robert, Jeffrey Highter and his wife Anna, Jon Kain and his wife Sandy, Kaila Cumings and her husband Justin Taylor, and her daughter Kathleen Blake, who predeceased her. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Michael and Steven Cumings.

Nothing brought her more joy than her nine grandchildren: Shane Budd, Morgan Lausier, Zakery Blake, Grady Budd, Kaanan Kain, Lacey Budd, Jacqueline Fenton, Bailey Griffis, and Nash Taylor, along with two step-grandchildren Gauge and Mason Cumings. She was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband of 38 years Douglas Cumings and her two younger sisters, Roberta Sanborn and Janice Bardis. She was predeceased by her sister Judith Bergeron.

Her home and heart were filled with treasures. She was an avid yard saler/antiquer and amassed many collectibles, especially her bean pots, witches, Fairbanks’ scales, and roosters, each with a story and a place of honor. Everyone will remember the turkey she kept as a pet, who famously terrorized the grandchildren and became a legend all its own.

She loved dogs, loved snacks (particularly crackers and cheese enjoyed in bed at night), and was never afraid to show her style. She was well known for her cowboy boots and leopard print outfits—confident, unapologetic, and entirely herself.

She leaves behind a family who will miss her fiercely, laugh often at her stories, and carry her spirit forward in every shared meal, every game night, every handful of happy pills (chocolate chips), and every bold choice made without apology. Her love, laughter, and unforgettable presence will live on in all who knew her.

Condolence messages may be sent to the family on the Cremation Society of New Hampshire’s website. In Diddy’s honor, buy something silly at a yard sale, play bingo with a friend, wear a crazy outfit, kick up your boots, or sing loudly to your favorite song.

A celebration of life will be held on May 9, 2026 from 1:00pm - 4:00 pm at the Samuel E. Paul Community Center in Troy, NH. We look forward to seeing everyone then. Optional: dress in leather, leopard print, flannel, or cowboy boots.