Obituary of Rosemary A. Summers

Rosemary A. Summers, a resident of Wappingers Falls, entered into rest Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie surrounded by her loving family. She was 74. Daughter of the late Thomas and Helen Chiovitt Higgins, she was born March 22, 1942 in the Bronx. In 1962, she married the love of her life, Alexander "Al" Summers in Maryland. Mr. Summers preceded her in death on January 20, 2014. Prior to her retirement, she worked for the Fresh Air Fund in Fishkill. She had previously been an EMT and bookkeeper at Sloper-Willen Ambulance Service in Wappingers Falls. While living in the Bronx and when her children were younger, she was President of the St. Mary's PTA and involved in the Bronx Community School Board. Together with her husband, she was active in the Bronx Republican Club. Rosemary was a great supporter of the mission and ministry of New Hackensack Reformed Church. At the church she was an Elder, a Sunday School Teacher, a youth Group Leader and involved in the Christian Education Council and the Stephen's Ministry. Rosemary was an amazing mother, adored not only by her children, but also by so many who considered her a second mom. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her children, Alexander Summers, Jr. and his wife, Mary Weir, Debi Colaninni and her husband, Peter and Theresa McKenna and her husband, Chris; her brother, Thomas Higgins and his wife, Marie; her grandchildren, Justine, Vincent and his wife, Catherine, Cody, Ryan and Steven; her great-grandchildren, Kiara and Zaveon; as well as her best friend, Kris Rice. Family will receive friends on Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at New Hackensack Reformed Church, 1580 Route 376 in Wappingers Falls. A funeral service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Rosemary's name to the Deacon's Fund of New Hackensack Reformed Church, 1580 Route 376, Wappingers Falls, New York 12590. Arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street in Wappingers Falls. For directions or to send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.