Virginia Marie Summers

Virginia Marie Summers, age 83 was born March 15, 1931 in Detroit. She passed away April 19, 2014 in Shelby Township. Family members said she was very creative and artistic and her favorite past time was entering prize contests. She is survived by her children Arlene (Jim) Chubb, Bonnie (Michael) Pingitore, Diane (John) Muszynski, Cindy (Ron) Bryce, and Elaine Lolly Ulrich. She is survived by her nine grandchildren and dear sister JoAnn Krajewski. She was predeceased by her husband Edward Christopher Summers. Visitation will be Thursday 3-8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Resurrection Funeral Home 40800 Hayes, Clinton Township, MI 48038. Visitation Friday 9:00 a.m. until time of mass 9:30 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Community. Burial at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Detroit, MI. Visit online at www.resurrectionfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association would be appreciated.

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Virginia Marie Summers. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Virginia was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

Virginia was born on home in Detroit, Michigan. She was the daughter of Walter and Genevieve Kern (nee Kolczynski). Virginia was raised in Detroit, Michigan. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Virginia was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Virginia's personality throughout her life.

Though Virginia was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Virginia was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Virginia worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Virginia was raised with two siblings. She had two younger sisters, Frances and JoAnn. Virginia and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Virginia was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Virginia was always tactful. One thing Virginia will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Virginia had a number of interests and was an active child. Virginia took part in roller skating.

For Virginia, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Virginia was also adept at details. Virginia was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was math. She was valedictorian and the Homecoming Queen.

Virginia was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Virginia cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On November 4, 1950 Virginia married Edward Christopher Summers at St. Stanislaus of Detroit, Michigan. Compassionate and devoted, Virginia worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Virginia and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Virginia was blessed with six children, five daughters; Arlene, Bonita, Diane, Cynthia, and Elaine, and one son; Stephen. They were also blessed with nine grandchildren, Theresa, Ryan, Jennifer, Bradley, Kimberly, Hayley, Billy, Kyle, and Jessica. Virginia was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Virginia was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Virginia would listen before she would act.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Virginia, and she expected the same from those around her. Virginia was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Virginia was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Virginia handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was a house wife. She was also employed as a secretary, travel agent, realtor, and seamstress. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

A methodical woman, Virginia enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were crocheting, sewing, crafting, drawing, and painting.

Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Virginia to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Virginia did her fair share of volunteer work. And she wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Throughout her later years, Virginia was an active member of the St. Anastasia Church in Troy, Michigan.

Her high moral standards and traditional values served Virginia well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of St. Anastasia for 34 years. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

Virginia passed away on April 19, 2014 at Sunrise of Shelby Township. She fought a brave battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She is survived by her children: Arlene, Bonita, Diane, Cynthia, and Elaine; and her grandchildren: Theresa, Ryan, Jennifer, Bradley, Billy, Kyle, Jessica, Kimberly, and Hayley. Services were held at St. Michael's Catholic Community in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Virginia was laid to rest in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan.

Virginia was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Virginia was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Virginia Marie Summers.