Obituary of CUMMER – Marion

October 19, 1925 – January 6, 2011 After a life of travel and adventure, combined with raising a family of four children, Marion Cummer passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2011 at the Rockyview Hospital in Calgary. Marion Murray was born in Edmonton, the youngest of six children of an immigrant Scottish family. At an early age she acquired a desire to see the world, and at 19 set off for New York City in hopes of pursuing a career as a fashion model. She returned to Edmonton where her good looks caught the attention of Bill Cummer, an administrator in the oil industry. The couple married in 1950 and settled in Calgary where they raised their family. Marion’s home was always open to family, friends and travelers, and she was a gracious hostess whether entertaining at home or at Elkana Ranch in Bragg Creek. Marion became heavily involved in parent-teachers’ associations and volunteer groups including the Opti-Mrs (the ladies’ auxiliary of the Optimist Club) and the Cancer Society where she helped organize Daffodil Day each spring. In Calgary, Marion became a strong advocate for preservation of parks and historical buildings. Her interest in interior design was expressed early on and was a passion she pursued most of her life, culminating in attending an interior design school in London, England. Meanwhile, Marion rose to the challenges of becoming an executive’s wife as Bill’s career progressed in the oil patch. They traveled the world together in style and, in 1976, they moved to Bermuda, returning to Calgary in 1990. Marion will be deeply missed by her husband, Bill; children, Don, Diane Wigington (David), Denise Dolph (Dave), and Dean (Mark O’Neill); grandchildren Stephen (Ashley) and Cameron MacDonald, Melissa Bottoms (Kyle), Michael Dolph, Jacob Cummer; great-grand-daughter Charlotte MacDonald; and step-son William Allen Cummer (Jan DeGrass). She was predeceased by her parents, William and Mary Murray, and her sister and four brothers. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB) on Monday, January 10, 2011 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A celebration of Marion’s life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, we encourage our friends and loved ones to donate directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, Suite 201, 222 – 58th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2S3, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com. In living memory of Marion Cummer a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403)243-8200