Obituary of Lucy Summers

Lucy Summers

Lucy Summers, 88, of Highlands Ranch died January 15th, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Harold B. Summers in November of 2005. She is survived by her children Reba (Summers) Rose and her husband Jim Rose of Highlands Ranch, CO, and Bryan Summers and his wife Megan (Gorom) Summers of Denver, CO. She had two grandchildren – Joshua Rose (19) and Jacob Rose (13) and became a pseudo-grandmother to Nevaeh Gorom (16). She is also survived by her brothers John Martinez of Mesa, AZ and Steve Martinez of Denver, CO.

Lucy was born on November 27th, 1934 in Loveland, CO, to Magdalena and Faustino Martinez who immigrated from Old Mexico in the 1920s.

Lucy spent her childhood in Loveland, CO and was the fifth oldest of 12 children. She and her siblings were required to work as farming helpers, alongside their father, planting and harvesting crops starting at the age of nine. By age 15, Lucy and her older siblings had to drop out of school and work in the fields full time to earn enough money to feed the growing family. Lucy spoke of these times fondly as she credited her work ethic and love for family to her humble upbringing. It was also during her adolescence that she dedicated her life to the Catholic faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

In the 1950s the Martinez family moved to Denver where work was more abundant. However, segregation and racism was the norm during these years which limited opportunities. Lucy, and her sisters closest in age, found work at a local dry cleaners. This too was laborious which continued to develop her appreciation for family, hard work, and small blessings. It was around this time that Lucy studied for and obtained her GED.

In 1965 Lucy’s sister introduced her to a co-worker of her boyfriend, Harold Summers of Lusk, WY. Harold and Lucy quickly became inseparable. They were married in April of 1967 and raised their two children in south Denver. Reba joined the family in November of 1970 and Bryan in May of 1975. Lucy took a few years off from dry cleaning to raise their children, while Harold was working at the Denver Post to provide for the family. Together with Harold, Lucy loved gardening and Sunday afternoon rides to the mountains in Harold’s beloved classic cars, listening to Big Band music. Lucy returned to work at Silver State cleaners in 1980 managing several different stores in south Denver until her retirement in 1997.

Lucy spent time each day reading the Bible and praying which deepened her faith. Giving back was paramount to Lucy’s mindset, and even though money was tight, she and Harold would always find ways to give money to their church and other charities. Lucy regularly volunteered at her church and nursing homes to glorify God. Even up to the last couple months of her life she kept a leger of a dozen organizations she donated to each month while living off her modest income.

Lucy will be remembered for her humility and generosity, deep love for her husband, unwavering support of her children and her siblings, and most importantly her love of Jesus. She was the rock of her immediate and extended family and devoted time each day praying for blessings for all of them. In her later years, Lucy enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and visiting with old friends. She sacrificed much for her family – from the age of nine until her death – which she did with a grateful heart. Lucy’s legacy is a reminder to all of us to live a life like Christ, full of grace, generosity and gratitude.

A Rosary will be held at 9:30 am, followed by a funeral mass at 10 am at St Mark’s Catholic Church in Highlands Ranch. Immediately after, the family is hosting a reception at the church for all who loved Lucy to share memories with each other.

Matthew 23:11-12

11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to be made in Lucy’s honor to http://billygraham.org