Mary Elizabeth Summers, 78, of Elgin, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2024.
Born on September 19, 1945, in Springfield, Illinois, Mary was the beloved daughter of Pauline and Frederick Schutt. She graduated from Feitshans High School in 1963 and later pursued a career as a Registered Medical Assistant, graduating in 1964. Mary was married to Charles West for 12 years and was blessed with two children, Eric West and Tia (Ryan) Carroll. In 1980, she married the love of her life, Frank Summers.
Mary dedicated her life to serving others, particularly children and seniors. She ran a home daycare from 1975 to 1980, caring for up to fifteen children daily. Her compassion extended to her work as the office manager for Dukane Clinic from 1969 to 1975 and as a medical assistant over the years. From 1995 to 2012, Mary served as the Activities Director and Social Worker Designee at multiple assisted living and healthcare facilities, leaving a lasting impact on those she cared for.
A devout member of Wesley United Methodist Church for 52 years, Mary actively participated in various church ministries, including teaching Sunday School, serving as Assistant Treasurer, and contributing to the choir and youth group. She was deeply involved in community service projects, including numerous Habitat for Humanity house and school remodels. When Wesley United Methodist Church merged with Epworth United Methodist to form Journey of Hope Church in 2020, Mary continued her service as Care Team Leader and Vice President of UMW (United Methodist Women).
Mary is survived by her loving husband, Frank Summers; her daughter, Tia (Ryan) Carroll; her stepchildren, Gene (former daughter-in-law, Chris) Summers, Sue (Jeff) Stuart, and Mike (Anora) Summers; her cherished grandchildren, Nolan & Eden (Carroll), Tieg and Aaron (Gene Summers), Alex (engaged to Namyr), Grace and Luke (Stuart), and Garrett and Harrison (Mike Summers). She was preceded in death by her parents, Pauline and Fred, her brother Kurt Schutt, and her son Eric West.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a service at 2:00 PM, all at Journey of Hope Church, located at 37W040 Highland Ave in Elgin, IL. For those who cannot attend services in person, a live-stream will be available through the church website at Live Stream — Journey of Hope (johumc.org). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Journey of Hope Church.
For further information, please contact Defiore funeral home at 847-515-8772 or leave online condolences at www.defiorefuneral.com.
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I feel so lucky to have met and known Mary for almost 10 years. I moved here from the South and she took me under her wing and we started art classes together. She was the most caring, big hearted person that was there for everyone. She will be missed by anyone that knew her. Mary was such a beautiful woman, inside and out. I feel blessed to have been her friend.
Oh Mary I Am going to miss u tremendously, you were a classy, sweet, kind and compassionate lady. The highlight of me working at SWC was having the opportunity to work with you and Shayna… I always admired your strength, positivity and compassion you had for your patients…. My biggest regret is we didn’t get together enough in 2023, between your schedule and mine we weren’t able to get it together.. I know you r in Heaven without a doubt , with Erick and beautiful Pauline.. your beautiful smile and all the fun times we shared at work and outside of work will always be imprinted in my Heart , forever!!! One day we will be reunited , may you RIP my friend My thoughts and Prayers to Frank, Tia and all the family❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
Aunt Mary was greatly loved. I remember her and her loving kind spirit well. Rest in Peace . Chris Lacey- nephew
Tia, I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. I always enjoyed visiting with her anytime I was in town with my mom. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I was Mary and Frank’s mailman for 8 years. I will miss you Mary. Every day you would greet me with a smile! You would always ask me about my kids and what they were up to.
Mary was so special to us and we spent time with her and Frank at Tia's home and some times in our home in Colorado Springs. I Donna have known her my whole life at 3rd Pres. in Springfield at sunday school and so sad she is gone will be missed loved her so much. God bless her family
Sue, Sad to hear of Mary’s passing. My condolences to your Dad and all her children and grandchildren.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Take care. Cindy Trotta
Our deepest sympathies to her loved ones. We enjoyed our time spent with Mary at Wesley church. She was a treasure and will surely be missed by all, that were blessed to know her.
Our deepest sympathies to her loved ones. We enjoyed our time spent with Mary at Wesley church. She was a treasure and will surely be missed by all, that were blessed to know her.
Mary was the most gracious, graceful, and lovely lady. I was so lucky to have known her as the loving mother of my amazing friend, Tia, who has inherited her mother's best attributes. Mary is a role model for everyone, and the ultimate caregiver to her family and the community. All who have known her or encountered her will forever remember her warm smile and presence. Sending my deepest condolences to her entire family and friend group at this most difficult time.
Our deepest sympathies to her loved ones. We enjoyed our time spent with Mary at Wesley church. She was a treasure and will surely be missed by all, that were blessed to know her.