Renee Aleta Summers

Renee Aleta Summers of Aurora, Colorado passed away unexpectedly on May 5th, 2021 at the age of 63. She was born February 9th, 1958 in Minot, North Dakota. At a very early age, Renee’s family moved to Colorado, where they eventually settled in Westminster. Shortly after graduating from Ranum High School in 1976, Renee began working at King Soopers. She worked there for 19 years, where she met many life-long friends as well as her husband, Christopher. After suffering from a stroke at the age of 37, Renee retired and became a stay-at-home mother where she kept a very close eye on her children. She used social media as a means to connect with friends, and even make new ones out of people she had never met in person before.

Renee was a very welcoming and hospitable person who relished meeting new people and enjoyed nothing more than having a house full of people to entertain. She was well-known for inviting friends and acquaintances over for holidays, stating that it was her job to adopt those who did not have family nearby to celebrate with. Having absolutely loved Christmas, Renee amassed a large collection of decorations that she would begin setting up in October, and she never stopped shopping for more. Her ultimate goal was to have a Christmas tree in every room of her house, much to the bemusement of her husband, who had the honor of helping her set up all her decorations. Her favorite Christmas traditions included watching the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”, making copious amounts of baked goods, binging the Hallmark Channel, and drinking wine while making lefse (a Norwegian flatbread) with her daughter. Renee even went as far as to learn how to make Chris’ favorite holiday dessert after the passing of his mother, and in typical Renee fashion, improved upon the recipe in the process.

Renee was also an exceedingly stubborn and determined person, a trait that she passed on to both of her children. She never wanted her health issues to slow her down, despite the major tolls they took on her body. She refused help and pity, wanting to do things on her own just to prove that she could.

One of Renee’s life-long dreams was to visit Hawaii, a dream that was fulfilled on her 25th wedding anniversary. She was so looking forward to being able to make a return trip. She did not enjoy being cold, leading her to not-so-jokingly state that she was home when stepping off the plane in Maui.

Renee was a Faith-Friend at her church and helped teach the 2-year-old Sunday School class for many years.

Above all else, Renee adored her family. She and her husband, Christopher, were married for over 30 years and together they had two children, Michael and Megan. Being a mom was the greatest pride and joy of her life, and anybody who met Renee could not leave her presence without knowing about her two kids whom she was immensely proud of. Renee also loved her dogs, Sugar and Pilot, as well as her so-called “granddogs”, Diamond and Riesen.

She is survived by her husband Christopher, her son Michael and daughter Megan, her sister Gayle and twin brother Ross, multiple nieces, nephews and cousins, her best friend from the age of 5, Anita, and numerous other friends that she had made throughout her life, both in person and online. She is preceded in death by her father Norman, her mother LaVonne, her brother Lance, and her dogs, Buddy, Cuddles, and Lady.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Arthritis Foundation.