Irene Euphemia Cummings (nee Hamilton), of Brandon, passed away December 27, 2000, at the Brandon Regional Health Centre at the age of 83 years. Born at the family farm near Vista, Manitoba on April 19, 1917, Irene spent her early years helping her parents with the farm chores and raising their growing family. She took her education at Islay School and in Grade 12 was required at home to help with the newest little sister. After her marriage to her love, Norman, July 28, 1936, they settled in Trail, B.C. It was here that their family grew with the births of their children; Keith, Norma and Gary. In 1951, the family returned to Vista and then moved to Brandon in 1955. After the youngest child was in school, Irene took various retail jobs and in 1966 began employment with the Brandon General Hospital, retiring in 1982. Irene continued for the next ten years at the hospital in a volunteer capacity. She shared music with Norman, in their early years chording guitar or piano to his fiddle playing for house parties and later musical evenings with friends. Babies and other members of the family were treated to her hand made knitwear. Both family and friends enjoyed Irene's famous cooking and baking always having fresh breads and pastries on hand for guests. Irene will always be remembered as a devoted wife, mother and friend who placed the interests of others above her own. Surviving and lovingly remembered by her daughter Norma (Bob) Crang and son Gary (Pat), grandchildren; Rob (Kathy), Alan, Jeff (Crystal), Susan (Chris), Jennifer (Bill), Jaclyn, Heather, Rick (Jennifer), and three great granddaughters, Robyn, Samantha and Allyson. She is also survived by sisters; Dorothy, Valetta, Jean, Marlene and Velma, and brothers; Keith, Dan and Mac. Irene was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Norman, son; Keith, parents; William and Euphemia, sister; Evelyn and brothers; Clifford and David. Her devotion to her family was reflected in the expressions of remembrance by her grandchildren at her memorial service. Following cremation, a Memorial Service was held at Memories Chapel with Interment at the Brandon Cemetery on Friday, December 29, 2000. Mona Franklin officiated. Friends who wish may make a donation in Irene's memory to the Canadian Cancer Society Westman Region, 415 - 1st Street, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 2W8. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330. The family would like to express their appreciation for the loving care the nurses of the Palliative Care Unit provided to Irene and her family. We love you Irene, Mom and Grandma and will miss you deeply. I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one, I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when day is done. I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I'd like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun, of happy memories that I leave behind when day is done. Memorials
Canadian Cancer Society, or Canadian Diabetes Association