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Obituary
With great sadness, the family of Barbara Helene Seraphin (Kette) Cummings announce her passing on November 15th, 2023, at the age of 93, in Kingston Ontario.
Barbara is survived by Howard Cummings, her loving husband of 63 years, her children Chris Cummings, Andrea Vuletin (Frank), Laura Cory (Don), Ruthie Cummings (Stephen), Liz Yendt, grandchildren Holly Cummings and Aidan Cory, brother Klaus Kette (Berni) and many loving nieces and nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her parents Fritz and Ursula Kette, her beloved brothers Peter and Stefan, her daughter-in-law Cindy (Chris) and her beloved granddaughter Jenny.
Barbara was born in Germany to Fredrich, Fritz, and Ursula Kette on May 18th, 1930, and spent the early years of her life in Hirschberg in the eastern part of Germany (now Poland). During her youth in Hirschberg, Barbara enjoyed outdoor activities including hiking and skiing and excelled in diving, achieving a national championship medal on the 3-meter board. Nearing the end of the war, her family was displaced and after a short time in the mountains of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, they eventually settled in Bad Homburg. Before immigrating to Canada in 1955, Barbara became a journeyman potter and ceramic artist, an artistic expression that she continued throughout her life.
Once in Canada Barbara continued to enjoy the outdoors leading to a fated canoe trip on Lake of Bays Ontario where, while painting on an island with her dear friend Diana, she met Howard Cummings. Barbara and Howard married and spent more than 63 years together, raising a family, sharing their love of outdoor adventure and joyfully moving forward together. Her love of music, her joy and curiosity as well as her love of art and nature were always present in her family and friends who couldn’t help but gravitate to her. Barbara loved nature, gardening and always had a keen interest in learning, language and human connections.
Barbara was a truly loving person who cared deeply for family, friends and the greater community around her. Her love and compassion, combined with a finely tuned insight, made her a treasure to all those who knew her. Almost everyone in her community knew her to be a kind and loving soul with whom they could always seek helpful and insightful counsel. Her wry sense of humour and her joy for life always kept a smile on her face and on the faces of those around her.
When their children had grown, Barbara and Howard spent many years providing homes for ESL students, mostly Japanese young women, studying in Kingston. Having the young foreign students in their home enhanced the lives of both the hosts and the students and led to some life-long friendships as well as an adventure to Japan where they were able to meet many of the families of the students they had hosted.
Throughout Barbara’s adult life, her deep and unwavering faith was the bedrock upon which she navigated her life. She and Howard drew strength and guidance from the church as the met the challenges of raising a family. Her commitment to her beliefs and her spiritual life was reflected in her active involvement within her church community alongside her devoted partner, Howard. Together, they dedicated themselves to various church activities, offering their time and support, leaving an indelible mark on their fellow parishioners. Barbara’s legacy lies not only in her profound faith but also in the impact she and Howard made through their unwavering dedication to their church, its members and the community around them.
May 18 1930
November 15 2023
Death notice for the town of: Kingston, Province: Ontario
death notice Barbara Helene Seraphin Cummings May 18 1930
November 15 2023
obituaries notice Barbara Helene Seraphin Cummings May 18 1930
November 15 2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Barbara Helene Seraphin Cummings May 18 1930
November 15 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
