The statement noted that the couple always sat in the front row at 5 p.m. Mass and had been members since 1978. Ralph Woltering is a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Olga Woltering met her husband in her native England when he served in the Army there, according to Sister Margaret McAnoy, a member of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and spiritual director of the Atlanta Cursillo movement. They have been married more than 60 years.

"They were still obviously so much in love. They just demonstrated the sacrament of marriage," said Sister Margaret said.

Sister Margaret recalled how Olga Woltering would tell stories during the Cursillo weekends that would both entertain the group and offer spiritual insight. She had "a wonderful presence," Sister Margaret said.

"When she made the Cursillo, she got involved right away. She would do anything she was asked to do. It's a great, great loss," Sister Margaret added.

"I was never around Olga when she was not smiling and joyful. She always had a positive attitude," said Glenn Zipfel, who serves on the Atlanta Cursillo leadership team.

The Woltering family issued a statement and requested privacy "as we mourn her loss and support our father and each other in the coming days."

"Olga Woltering was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and good friend to many. She, along with our father Ralph, is the cornerstone of our family, and while she's absent in our lives now, she remains in our hearts, thoughts, and memories forever," the family said.

"Mom's heart and soul rested in this church and its spirit-filled community," the family said of her involvement with the parish.

"She spoke to groups about her personal faith as a testament to the power of God's love for us. She will be terribly missed by her faith community," the family said.

Sister Margaret explained how receiving the news of the tragedy was devastating.

"I burst into tears. You couldn't wrap your head around it," she said.

The Wolterings had flown to Florida a day early for their cruise because snow was predicted in Atlanta.

"I don't know why God called her home at this moment," Sister Margaret said. "If anybody walked into heaven, she did."

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This story was contributed by the staff of The Georgia Bulletin, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Atlanta.