Submitted by Linda Worsman McPartlan:
Just wanted to share the sad news of Carol’s passing September 14,2022 from COPD. Carol Jean Summers March 27, 1947 – September 14, 2022 Talented, Smart and Compassionate, Daughter, Sister, Loyal Friend, Artist, Librarian, Supportive Co-worker, Environmentalist & Birder! Carol Jean Summers of Ventura California passed away on September 14, 2022. Carol was born on March 27, 1947, after WWII to her parents Frank Boydston Summers, III, who served as an Air Force Captain in the war and Myrtis Cruise Summers who served with him at the base. In this time of renewal and new beginnings after the WWII, Carol was born and with her brother Frank and parents, the family moved to Kirkwood Illinois, where they grew up in a loving environment with friends and family. At age 12, Carol became a mentor to her new sister Barbara Kendall who she loved and cared for through their years together. Carol attended Junior high school in Kirkwood, and High School in Deerfield Illinois where the family moved in 1961. Carol was a team member and leader of the Cheerleading Squad in both high schools. In 1964, Carol moved with her family to Massachusetts, where Carol graduated from Needham High School in 1965. Carol attended one year of Stephen’s college in Illinois, before enrolling in and completing the Katie Gibbs Secretarial program in Boston, Mass., following which she served as secretary to the President of Index Technology Corp in Cambridge MA. Following the death of her Mother in 1974, and the opening of a new world of opportunities for women, Carol decided to take a chance and spread her wings. She put herself through an undergraduate education at the University of Arizona in Tucson, earning a B.A in Graphic Arts, and then put herself through Graduate School earning a Master’s Degree in Library Science. Carol applied for the job of her dreams in California at Oxnard Public Library in California and, at this turning point in her life, she got the job of her dreams and moved to California, where she loved her life. She served at the Oxnard Public Library as a reference librarian. (Before there was Siri, you could call up the library with a question and Carol was one of the librarians who would find the answer for you!). She loved her job and all her co-workers at the library where she served for over 25 years. Carol made her home in Ventura, California. She followed her passions and heart, becoming active in environment groups, and was a committed and sometimes vocal Democrat. She loved the nature in California especially the birds. Carol is known for befriending the California Scrub Jays that lived around her and learned to trust her gentle nature. They would even come and sit on her arm. She lived a happy life in California, where she was blessed with many friends and co-workers with whom she shared the wonders of her life and for which she was grateful. Please join us for a “Celebration of Life” memorial service for Carol will be held at 12:00 (noon) on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at the Park Palm Beach House, 236 East Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, California, with a casual catered lunch to follow. Donations in Carol’s memory may be sent to: Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network 1460 N. Fairview Ave. Goleta, CA 93117