Light of Hope for Hospice Care

A Life Woven with Love:
Remembering RoJean Cummins

The gentle hum of a sewing machine, the warmth of a hand-knitted hat, the comforting presence of a dedicated nurse – these are just a few of the images that come to mind when remembering RoJean Cummins. Her life, a tapestry woven with threads of compassion, service, and unwavering love, touched countless lives in her 89 years.

RoJean’s calling to care for others was evident from a young age. At just three years old, she would line up fire sticks by the stove, pretending they were patients in need of her attention. This innate desire to serve blossomed into a lifelong career in nursing, a profession she embraced with unwavering dedication.

From her early days at Karlstad Memorial Hospital to her time as a supervisor and mentor at United Hospital in Grand Forks, RoJean’s impact was undeniable. She was a pioneer, leading the development of a new cardiac rehab department, and a guiding light for countless young nurses, patiently teaching them the art of compassionate care.

After retiring from Altru in 1999, RoJean’s dedication to caring for others didn’t diminish. She moved to Park Rapids, MN, and continued working as a nurse part-time at St. Joseph’s hospital. She also volunteered her time, serving as a parish nurse, driving patients to appointments, and advocating for those in need.

RoJean’s love extended beyond her professional life. She was a devoted mother to her six sons, a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and a cherished friend. Her infectious laughter could light up a room, and her kindness and warmth made everyone feel loved and cherished.

In the months before her passing on October 27, 2023, RoJean was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Her family turned to CHI St. Joseph’s Health Hospice Care, seeking comfort and support for the woman who had dedicated her life to caring for others. Her son, Galen Johnson, reflects on the invaluable support their family received: “I never really understood what hospice did, so when they came out and met with Mom and me and brought hospice care into our lives, it was incredible! I can’t say enough about it. Just to take that pressure off of the family to know she was in good care, at peace and comfortable.”

“Our mom passed away on Friday. One of her nurses was there checking on her, and as fate would have it, one of us happened to be standing in the doorway. We watched as the nurse held Mom’s hand, leaned down close to her face, and said, ‘RoJean, it was an honor to get to know you.’ We’ll never forget that moment. The nurse had only known Mom for six days, yet her compassion was so profound and we knew, deep down, that Mom was smiling. It was a testament to the kind of person she was, a caregiver at heart, always extending kindness to others, “ shared RoJean’s family.

Though her journey on earth has come to an end, RoJean’s legacy of love and service will continue to inspire those who knew her. Her memory will be forever blessed, a testament to a life well-lived, a life woven with threads of compassion, kindness, and unwavering love.

This holiday season, as we gather to celebrate the Light of Hope, let us remember RoJean Cummins, a woman who embodied the true spirit of giving and whose light continues to shine brightly in the hearts of those she touched. Our care team at CHI St. Joseph’s Health Hospice Care was grateful to provide comfort and support to RoJean and her family during her final days.

 RoJean with her family at the Cummins family reunion.​

Community tree lighting

Join us as we celebrate and remember loved ones during the Heartland Lakes Community Tree Lighting ceremony on November 29, 2024. Held in downtown Park Rapids, the ceremony will begin at 6pm. You can also join us virtually on our Facebook page or the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce website at parkrapids.com.

We also invite you to place an unbreakable ornament on the memory tree, which will be located in Pioneer Park on Main Street, in honor or in memory of a loved one this holiday season.

Light of Hope

You can honor your friends and loved ones by supporting CHI St. Joseph’s Health Hospice Care this holiday season. Your donation of $25 or more will help provide transformational care now and for years to come. Thank you for shining your light with others. To contact CHI St. Joseph’s Health Hospice Care, please call 218-732-4552.