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Brenda (Suzie) Summers: Brenda passed away quite unexpectedly on September 5, 2017. Sixteen days earlier, on her 77th birthday, she went to the hospital with a common urinary tract infection that the doctors could never get under control. I think some losses are made easier when someone is horribly ill for a long time, or has not been mentally themselves for years. Unfortunately, this was not the case, and the loss was tremendously hard, and the adjustment was very slow.

Brenda lived in the house my father built when he returned from Germany at the end of WWII; the house I grew up in and the home of 69 years of memories for me. After Brenda's passing it took two years for us to reconcile ourselves that it was time to start getting the house ready to sell. Most everything we touched brought back memories.

Unexpectly, in 2002 Brenda came to own a precious small 8 pound Maltipoo, Cuddles, who belonged to our cousin. Cuddles, who certainly filled her life with much joy and companionship went to live with a close friend Jane. Jane lives on a 30 acre farm and Cuddles now runs and plays untethered, acting like a "farm dog", until bedtime where she sleeps on the foot of the bed, bringing great joy to yet another great person. We lost this adorable Maltipoo (pictured above) at Easter of 2014.

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.Anne & Orville: Pop passed away at the age of 89 on August 3rd of 2008 after suffering two strokes. He had been living in an assisted living facility in Mooresville for several years. His mental health had declined severely, although he did seem to recoginize Anne, and his three children.

Mother passed away at the age of 83 on January 11th, 2009. She would have been 84 in March, but was in very poor health, and kept saying she was ready to go. Thank goodness her mind was good until the end, and she passed away on a Sunday afternoon with her only living sibling (her younger sister) and her three children and friends and relatives, by her side.

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.Jerry's sister Diane & husband Ted:

We lost Ted on October 11, 2021 quite unexpectedly. This was another shocking blow to the family.

Ted had finally retired from his architectural firm in 2008 and he and Diane were enjoying living near the ocean in Va. Beach, VA. He was doing occasional consulting work from home, however, he worried that it may cut into his travel and sailing time! Ted took Diane to Italy in 2008 and also went to France in 2008 with his alumni association from the University of Illinois. Diane retired in 2009 and they traveled to Hawaii, Scotland, Ireland, and Germany as well as a long trip northwest to see relatives and parts of the US. Their last trip was hree weeks in Alaska where they combined a cruise and then a train trip. Ted was very active in their church, serving as an Elder and Diane as treasurer of the Presbyterian Women. They always enjoyed long-haired dachshund's and after Fritz passed away, they named the next one Fritzel.

Diane remains in their beautiful home in Va. Beach, learning to cope without her beloved husband and handyman.

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Nieces and Nephews:

• Carrie & Mark Helm are doing well and enjoying their son, Mark Stephen, who was born on May 16, 2008. Mark left Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in November of 2010. The faimily moved back to Clearwater, Florida where they own and manage real estate.
• DeAnne & Guy French (Doctor and Doctor - Both have their PhD in Psychology) live in Dayton, Ohio and now their three boys have left them "empty nesters". All three boys earned "Eagle Scout" status, and all graduated from Rose Hulman Institute of Technology. An extremely accomplished family and we are very proud they are our relatives.

This page last updated January, 2025.