Alice Cumber

Alice (Lira) Cumber

February 8, 1929-September 18, 2026

The only one of eight children born in a hospital, she came into this world on February 8, 1929, in Jamestown, ND. She grew up in the largely Polish community of Fried, ND, where she attended elementary school, and then attended high school in Jamestown, ND. She married Robert Cumber in Marion, ND, January 25, 1947.

They farmed outside of Montpelier, ND, where they raised their family of two sons and two daughters. She was active in St. Hubert’s Church, including keeping cemetery records, Ladies Altar Society, and taught CCD. She was also very active in 4-H as an assistant club leader, advising her daughters in many 4-H county and state fair projects.

After selling the farm, they moved to Jamestown, ND, in 1973, where she was employed as a dietary aide at Hi Acres Manor for nine years, followed by six years as a housekeeper at the rectory at St James Basilica. She was active in the St James Tabernacle, and was a frequent volunteer at Central Dakota Village. She was a wonderful role model for her family, in that she was a very loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. If family needed to be reminded of dates of family birthdays and anniversaries, she was the one in the know.

After her husband died, she moved to West Fargo, ND, at the urging of her children to be closer to them. She was famous with family and friends for her jelly making skills (and loved gifting jars to family and old and new friends), and making apple turnovers. No one wanted to have to buy “store jelly” if they could get hers! She loved trying different jelly combinations such as rhubarb, strawberry and peach. So good. She also was an expert in doing clothing alterations, which was in high demand; a highlight was sewing a beautiful wedding gown for her oldest daughter. She downplayed her intelligence and insight, but her family knew better. She was an unfailing champion for her family and friends. She was much loved and will be very missed.

She is survived by son Wayne (Jane) Cumber, daughter Jeanette (Richard) Homstad, and daughter Carol (Craig Fairbanks) Cumber; grandchildren Katie (Matt) Chaussee, April (Mike) Scott, James Cumber, Russell (Amanda) Cumber, Kristina (Dustin) Heinle, Carrie (Adam) Cariveau, Keith (Carolyn) Homstad, Benjamin (Alyssa) Fairbanks, Brady (Jennifer) Fairbanks. Also, great-grandchildren Evan and Vivian Chaussee, Mckenzie and Morgan Cariveau, Beckett and Cecilia Heinle, Aurora and Hudson Fairbanks, Blair and Trae Fairbanks.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, an infant daughter, son Gary, daughter-in-law Vicki, and two brothers and five sisters.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the American Cancer Society; American Heart Association; Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church (West Fargo, ND); Calvery Cemetery, (St James Basilica, Jamestown, ND).

Funeral Service: Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11 AM, at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND, with visitation one hour before the service.

Interment: Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 3 PM, at Calvary Cemetery, Jamestown, ND.

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