Barrie Summers (nee Kramer), age 80, of Doylestown, Pa., died peacefully at home on Aug. 19, 2023.
Born in Collingswood, N.J., on April 9, 1943, she was the daughter of Robert H. Kramer and Virginia Lee (Jackson) Kramer. She graduated high school in Findlay, Ohio and after a year at Findlay College Ohio, moved to New Jersey and entered the nursing program at Mercer Hospital in Trenton, N.J., receiving her RN in 1965. Soon after her marriage to Patrick Summers in 1965, she moved with him to Cambridge, England for four years and worked in a nursing capacity at Addenbrooks Hospital in Cambridge. Upon returning to the States, she lived in Princeton Junction, N.J. (21 years), Pennington, N.J. (11 years), and most recently in Doylestown, Pa. (21 years).
Barrie maintained a strong relationship with the Episcopal church. She had a deep faith and was known for her spirit, her welcome and ability to listen. She was active in many ministries and most passionate when it came to pastoral care and welcoming newcomers. She was a healing touch and caring presence for many. She was a member of Trinity Cathedral in Trenton for 34 years and subsequently a member of Trinity Church in Solebury for 25 years. For 11 years she worked at the office of Trinity Cathedral in Trenton, N.J. She also worked on the rescue squad in West Windsor, N.J., for several years. She was an associate at the Cookery Ware Shop in Peddler’s Village for 10 years. All at the same time as raising a family of three boys with her husband Patrick.
Throughout these past few months of her illness all who bore witness found inspiration in her courage and grace. She taught and showed in her life to always pray for those in need and to be selfless in all that we do. She spent countless hours volunteering time and was continually learning about and exploring the psychological and spiritual human condition. She loved the practice of mindfulness meditation and of centering prayer. She was a child of God who faced her final days calmly and peacefully and in great anticipation. Barrie is survived by her husband, Patrick of 58 years, her three sons, Edward (Kesa), John, and Matthew (Jennifer), five grandchildren – Charlie, Graham, Andrew, Maeve and Jack and niece Chelsea.
A memorial service to celebrate Barrie’s life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 16, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, Solebury, Pa.
In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Barrie may be made to:
Trinity Episcopal Church, PO Box 377, Solebury, PA 18963;
The Elixir Fund, PO Box 326, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550;
KIN Wellness and Support Center, 2325 Heritage Center Drive, Suite 113, Furlong, PA 18925;
NAMI, 350 East Bristol Road, Warminster, PA 18974.
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