CUMMINGS, Yvonne Cummings

She attended local schools and was part of the first graduating class of the “new” Kelowna Senior Secondary. Yvonne spent her weekends helping her mother prepare the church for Sunday Mass, working as an usherette at the Paramount Theatre and playing softball.

After graduation, Yvonne worked at Bennett Furniture until one day, without giving it a second thought, Yvonne enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force; she trained as a teletype operator and was eventually posted to Claresholm, Alberta, where she met the young airman Donald Cummings. The couple were married in Claresholm and began their 71-year journey from there. Yvonne relinquished her career (HD) with the Air Force upon her marriage, as the policy in 1953 was exclusion of married women in the Canadian Forces. Her armed forces role evolved into that of a supportive military wife on air force bases from east to west in Canada, as well as overseas. She and Don were blessed with four children along the way.

Yvonne always found ways to contribute and lead within the challenging environment of the military community and also within the church as a member of the Catholic Women’s League. She was an avid curler, bowler, Brown Owl (Girl Guides of Canada), softball coach, and enthusiastic participant in activities within the various communities she and her family called home. As well as being a nurturing and supportive mother, Yvonne worked full-time as a cook and taught herself to sew – a skill that turned into a lifelong passion and occupation.

The early family years featured physical separation from her parents and siblings, but summertime always brought Yvonne and her family home to Kelowna to enjoy all the valley had to offer, including family gatherings and parties. Yvonne and Don both loved the valley, and in 1969, they purchased the piece of property in Okanagan Mission where, in 1973, they built the home that she and Don cared for and shared with family and friends for the next 49 years. Yvonne began working in the kitchen at Kelowna General Hospital in 1974, where her cooking career culminated as lead cook – overseeing the service of patient and cafeteria breakfast and lunch until she retired.

Upon retirement, Yvonne continued to find ways to challenge herself creatively when she applied her considerable sewing skills to quilting, quilting and more quilting. Throughout her life, Yvonne sought out activities where she could make a meaningful contribution and enjoy camaraderie with others. This was most evident in her participation in the Catholic Women’s League, as she brought her skill and talent to the church kitchen at St. Charles Garnier, facilitating the service of countless funeral luncheons as well as her years of service as CWL President.

Yvonne loved to travel; she travelled the world with Don, her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends, including more than one trip across the country to Don’s home province of Nova Scotia with their travel trailer.

The family grew, and eventually Yvonne and Don were blessed with 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. There was never a shortage of company at the house in the Mission for pool parties, lazy summer days, the best Christmases ever, games of Scrabble, cards and of course, Yvonne’s delicious food. She will be missed by so many – more than words could ever express.

Yvonne is survived by her children Jacqueline, Patricia, Gary (Gail), Jill (Shamus MacDonnell); 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Nancy Andersen, and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband, Donald Cummings; parents Alcide and Jeanne Perron; and siblings Louis, Leon, Phillip, Leona, Georgette, Maria, Therese, and Sophie.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation.

There will be an opportunity to pay last respects to Yvonne and to visit with the family on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.

A Funeral Mass, with Father Gerald Sekanga presiding, will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM (PST), at St. Charles Garnier Parish, 3645 Benvoulin Rd, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service; a recording will be made available to view thereafter. A reception will be held following the service in the church hall.

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