Catherine (“Kay”) Cummings was born in Utica, NY in 1903, the oldest of nine brothers and sisters. She graduated from Cazenoiva Seminary in 1925 where she was known for her grace and style. She was employed by George Jr. Republic as an administrative assistant to the founder of the organization and worked both in Freeville, NY and New York City.
While in NYC, Kay contracted tuberculosis and sought treatment at the Trudeau Institute at Saranac Lake, NY. She settled in Saranac after her recovery and became a well-known local figure.
Kay loved history and reading and urged her brothers and sisters to pursue higher education. She loved to write letters to her family and they were often filled with sought-after advice.
It was at Trudeau that she met Owen T. Gorman, a prominent New York City attorney. They married and made NYC their permanent home. Kay assisted Owen in his law practice until her death in 1977.