I met Nancy Gott Cummings, aka “Pie Lady”, on the island of St. Croix in the U.S.V.I. in the late 70’s. She had a very successful baking business that she operated out of the luxury airconditioned bakery her parents had built for her in the garage of their beautiful south shore home. Nancy learned how to bake from her Dad, Irman Gott, while growing up in Salmon, Idaho. He taught her how to make the most tender and flaky crust, the best Banana Cream Pie recipe from an old family friend, and the mantra “Don’t put anything in there that you wouldn’t want in YOUR slice of pie”. She repeated that to me every single time I helped out in the bakery. The Golden Rule.
Nancys desserts were featured in all the best restaurants and cafes in St. Croix. Banana Cream, Coconut Cream and oh my word, the Key Lime. She made many cakes and cookies and holiday specialty items, but the pies were famous and if you wanted a slice you really needed to hit up your favorite spot on delivery day. Early seating. Take no chances. The people who knew her best knew her as Pie Lady, but I’ve always called her Pie.
Eventually, Nancy returned to her hometown of Salmon, married the love of her life, Jon Cummings, and together they opened the 100 Acre Wood. A beautiful and rustic lodge with a spectacular restaurant that also featured Nancys desserts…..and the pies. Thousands of people, including the wildland firefighters that Jon and Nancy have so lovingly looked after, have known the joy of Nancys pies.
When Nancy was diagnosed with ALS in 2024 her St. Croix friends wanted a way to celebrate her.
She’s terribly funny, irreverent, stubborn as a mule, shoots straight from the hip and is often times rather naughty. She’s a marvelous friend, supportive and kind while always telling it like it is. In the face of a devastating diagnosis she remains strong and optimistic and true to herself.
Her good friend and celebrated St. Croix jeweler Mitchell Ousley created the Pie bracelet in the style of the famous St. Croix hook to remind us all of the many good days and excellent times we have been privileged to enjoy with Nancy. Not to mention the delicious pies. It’s a cheeky little bracelet with a generous slice of pie for a clasp. So now the legacy of Nancy’s pies will continue as a fundraiser for the ALS foundation, with 100 % of the profits going directly to research and assistance for patients who are struggling with ALS.
We hope you will help us celebrate a remarkable woman and join the fight against ALS. A Pie bracelet is meant to lift your spirits and make you smile. Because whose day isn’t made a bit brighter at the very thought of Pie?
I love you Pie. We all do.
