OLGA CUMMINGS
A life of caring
Olga was born December 14, 1934, to parents Ingeborg and Johannes Jorgensen. She grew up in the farming town of Redvers, SK, with her four sisters and five brothers—half of whom were born in the family’s native home of Denmark. As for many at the time, the 1930s were financially challenging for the Jorgensens, but because of the family’s stalwart work ethic there was always food on the table. Olga jokingly recalled attending Yale during these early years, which was the name of the local schoolhouse.
Through her teens, Olga worked as a nurse’s assistant at the Maryfield Hospital near Redvers. It was during this time that she discovered and nurtured her passion for serving those in need—a quality that she would continue to develop throughout her life. While working at the hospital she met a pipeline worker named Donald Cummings and the two were soon smitten by one another. They decided to embark on life’s journey together and were married three short months later.
The subsequent years were filled with happy memories and much work-related moving, including stops in Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. Olga gave birth to the couple’s first child, Linda (1956), followed thereafter by their second, Cindy (1961). While family-life was important to Olga, so too were friends and community as evidenced by her enthusiasm for sport (particularly badminton, curling, and bowling), and participation in service organizations such as the Lions Club. In 1974, daughter Linda married Dennis Wiebe, who, in time, became like a son to her.
In 1979, Olga and Don moved to Portage la Prairie where their lives would change yet again with the births of their grandchildren, Dustin (1980), and Erin (1984). Her love for her two grandchildren was evident to all who knew Olga. During the Portage years she was an active member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church, regularly arriving early and staying late to help facilitate the congregation’s weekly Sunday lunch. She worked for many years at the local Lion’s Manor where she consistently showed love and kindness to those who resided there. This enthusiasm for service continued into her retirement years as she volunteered to drive seniors from Portage to medical appointments in Winnipeg.
Since having triple bypass surgery in 2005, Olga struggled physically from the effects of congestive heart failure. This, however, did not diminish her spirit or her love for family and friends. In 2006, Erin married Dan Wiebe, an event followed by the births of her two great-grandchildren, Otis (2013), and Hazel (2019). Olga joyously celebrated her 85th birthday two days before her passing. Though she was tired, her love for her family was as clear as ever. Olga was predeceased by her husband Don (2016), and eight of her nine siblings.
Memorial service will be held Friday, December 27, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at St. James Lutheran Church, 871 Cavalier Drive, with reception to follow.
Olga, you will be dearly missed—vi elsker dig.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Siloam Mission.
Read Less
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Olga Vera Cummings Monday December 16th 2019..
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba