Christina "Tina" Swansen Wehmeyer

Christina Wehmeyer drafted her own obituary which has been preserved and published below – just as she would have wanted.

“I, Christina (Tina) Swansen Cummings Wehmeyer, passed away peacefully on August 9th, surrounded by my children. I am survived by my loving and caring family: son, Randy Cummings and his beautiful family (Jenny, Hannah and Emma) of Nashville, TN; my daughter, Amy Bjarnason and her wonderful family (Dave, Max and Sam) of Washington, DC; two delightful step-children, Matt Wehmeyer (Connie and Alex) and Melissa Wehmeyer, each of Cincinnati, OH and my loving sisters, Dee Ippen (Erich) of Boston and Martha Carson (Randy) of Asheville. In addition, the family of my first husband, John Cummings, has remained close to me, as I have with them, a blessing not many in that situation can share. I have a group of fabulous nieces, nephews and their children. These, my dear family members, and my friends – both old and new – have been the foundation of my happy and fulfilling life.

I was born in Atlanta, GA in June 1943 to my amazing and supportive parents, Jack and Nan Swansen, raised in Kenilworth, IL, spent 16 happy years in Cincinnati, OH and moved to Asheville in 1991 when my husband retired. In between those main life-stops, I lived in eight other cities across the country – each teaching me something new and valuable.

I was fortunate enough to have a variety of diverse professional jobs throughout my life, was able to always enjoy my daily walks, volunteering and later, hikes in beautiful western North Carolina, taking photographs of wildflowers, reading, and after retiring, taking time to just “be.”

But above all, I adored and was devoted to my family – my greatest source of love, pride and joy. My days shared with them created the highlights of my life. I treasured my close friends who filled my life with so many happy memories. I was a blessed individual from the time I arrived until the time I left this earth.

My husband, Al, with whom I shared 32 loving and beautiful years was surely my gift from heaven. He passed away in 2009 but will stay in my heart forever. Perhaps we are together again now?

Following in my parents’ and husband’s footsteps, I tried to live my life with a gentle kindness, an upbeat and positive attitude, a joy for living, and active sense of fun and lightheartedness, and with integrity. I strove to be a forgiving person, with a smile for everyone and an ongoing appreciation of my many blessings. I pray I expressed my gratitude often enough to my dear family and friends.

To all of my incredibly kind and loving caretakers, my family and I are forever thankful. You brought a great sense of peace to me at the end of my life.

My wish is for no contributions. But, if you see an opportunity for an act of kindness for someone who doesn’t expect it or for one who needs it, please follow your heart. Do that kind act and think of me. I will be smiling down on you with gratitude and love.

I hope those of you who knew me well will smile, and even giggle, whenever you think of me. I am not really gone, but rather have simply left the room. Although you can no longer see me, I hope you will always feel my presence on the other side of the door. I will never stop loving you, missing you and certainly, will never forget you. You are a part of my spirit forever. With all of my love and thanks to each one of you.”

A Memorial Service to celebrate Tina’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, October 17 in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian in Arden. Her family will receive friends at the funeral home immediately following the service.