84-year-old Marietta woman killed in FL shooting

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A Cobb County woman was among the five people killed Friday at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida after a gunman opened fired in the baggage claim area, according to members of her parish.

Friends and a family quickly took to social media to remember 84-year-old Olga Woltering, who was reportedly heading to Florida to catch a cruise with her husband Ralph, for his birthday. Church members said Woltering was shot and killed, but her husband was uninjured in the attack, when a gunman opened fire in Terminal 2 of the Florida airport.

Woltering was described as a "wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend."

Woltering had been a member at Transfiguration Catholic Church since 1978, and in lay leadership in the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

"It's heartbreaking. Our congregation is very sad... a feeling of pain," said  Fr. Fernando Molina-Restrepo to FOX 5. "Olga was a very loving, caring and friendly person. She had a beautiful smile and big eyes," he said.

Her son, Tim Woltering, tells FOX 5, his parents loved traveling on cruises to spend quality time with family, and had traveled to South Florida for another family trip. The following statement was released by the family:

"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.

"Her bright smile and loving manner will be missed by all who had the fortune to know her. She rarely seemed to meet a stranger, rather she had a smile or a hug for all. She was a blessing in the lives of family and friends.

"She was always guided by her strong faith in God and remained very active in her church, Transfiguration Catholic Church. She worked at and led cursillos in the church to bring God's message to others, and 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.

"Her family asks for privacy at this time as we mourn her loss and support our father and each other in the coming days.We are truly appreciative of everyone's prayers and support during this difficult time."

Parishioners of Transfiguration Catholic Church described Woltering as a loving, caring parishioner, who called people "Love" or "Lovey" in her native British accent. 

 

SPX Conyers posted on their Facebook page the following message:

"Many of you know and have worked on Team with Ralph & Olga Woltering. I just received a call from Sr. Margaret saying that Olga was one of the 5 people who was shot and died in the Ft. Lauderdale Airport today. Ralph & Olga flew there to begin going on a cruise with their children. Please add Ralph and their family to your prayers. I will send more information when it’s available.

Peace,

Glenn [Zipfel]"

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