Obituary of Norma Helen Gummo

Norma Helen Gummo Dec 9, 1923 – June 21, 2026

Norma was born in Oyen to Harry and Edith Anderson. Her early years were spent on the farm in Benton, and she attended school there until the family moved into Oyen where she completed her schooling. She then worked at the Red & White store and at the telephone office. During that time she met and married her ex-husband. That first year, they lived in Acadia Valley district, then moved to Barhead for a few years After the separation, she returned to Oyen to live with her parents and raise her children. She remained with them and cared for them through her mother’s illness and her father’s old age.

Norma was employed at the Oyen post office for 14 yrs. then transferred to Sicamous P.O. where she worked for approximately 15/16 years until her retirement. Norma was particularly suited to her job because of her genuine love for people. She thrived from the daily interactions with her customers whom she called friends.

Retirement didn’t slow her down! She kept very busy with her Church community, her volunteer work with the Seniors Meal Program, and participated in all community events. She took any opportunity to travel, whether near or far. Her trip of a lifetime was to Jerusalem: The Holy Land.

At the age of 85 Norma returned to Oyen and into the lodge where she lived independently for approximately 14 years. A fall led to a back injury and confinement to a wheelchair. She found comfort and care at the Bethany Care Centre in Sylvan Lake, where she lived for three years before peacefully passing away.

Norma will be lovingly remembered by her sons, Don (Rita) Sylvan Lake, and Wayne Drumheller; grandchildren Darcy (Tanis) West, Trisha West, Amber West (Trevor Starr), Stacey (Elizabeth) Gummo, Shauna (Adrian) Glover, Jodi Gummo (Kevin Dick). Great grandchildren, Dayton (Jennifer) West, Caige, Cassie, and Carson Maier, Dani and Felicity Gummo, AND Great, Great Grandson Dutton West. Her nephews John Shields, Graham and Rodney Anderson and Nieces, Lynne Shields, Anna (Shields) Babcock and Corinne Anderson.

She was predeceased by her daughter Diane West, her great grandson Rowan West; brothers Lloyd and Larry: sisters, Marion and Merna Shields, Sister-in-law, Arlene Anderson: Brother-in-law, John Shields; and Nephew, David Shields.

Memorial tributes may be directed to Local Charity of Donor’s Choice, Oyen and District Health Care Foundation Box 1, Oyen, Ab T0J2J0

A recording will be availiable following the service within 24 hrs