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D'ARCY ELLEN SUMMERS (ARMSTRONG)
Date of Passing: May 25, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryD'ARCY ELLEN SUMMERS (nee ARMSTRONG) It is with a considerable amount of grief and sadness but an overwhelming sense of serenity that we announce the passing of D'Arcy Summers on Friday, May 25, 2012, of complications associated to a bone marrow transplant at the age of 49 years. Left to forever cherish D'Arcy's memory are her loving husband Brett; sons Sean (Janique) and Jordan; granddaughter Keira; mother-in-law Jean Summers; father Lorne (Gina) Armstrong; brother Derek; sisters Robin Armstrong and Pamela (William) Steacy; nieces Haileigh Crowthers, Santana and Ruby Steacy; as well as many close friends and many, many other friends. She was predeceased by her mother Marilynne Armstrong; bio-father Brent Hicks; and her father-in-law Doug Summers. D'Arcy was born and raised in Winnipeg, attended John Taylor Collegiate and graduated from Oak Park High School. She spent her summers camping and fishing in Kamsack, Saskatchewan, and later in Northern Ontario with her mom and dad, and brother and sisters. She was older than her siblings and loved to take on the role as their other parent although the feeling was not always mutual. After high school D'Arcy immediately enrolled at the University of Manitoba and held three to four part time jobs while going to school. She graduated with a B.A. Sociology in 1985. She was an extremely reliable and hard working young lady and usually became close friends with her managers and co-workers. It was while picking up an extra shift at Safeway that D'Arcy met her bag boy Brett on July 18, 1981. Brett had an extra ticket to Styx that night and didn't think he had a chance but took a shot. In the following years she and Brett spent a great deal of time with Brett's family and his other family, his Uncle Steve and Aunt June Patrick and their kids. In particular they spent many summer days at the Patrick cottage at Falcon Lake. D'Arcy became Doug Summers' first mate on his pontoon sail boat as most others were too scared to go out on the water with him. Brett is extremely proud to admit he over-married by a large margin as they wed on September 12, 1987. After working at several City of Winnipeg Departments D'Arcy joined the Winnipeg Police Department as a staff member in 1987. She left the service in 1990, so that she could spend more time with Sean who was born in 1988. Jordan was born in 1991, and D'Arcy spent the subsequent years being a loving, patient and exhausted mom. She would spend hours colouring and playing with the boys while she and Brett lived on Moorgate Street in St. James. In 1994, the family moved to St. Boniface and D'Arcy later rejoined the Winnipeg Police Service as a 911 operator and as a direct voice entry operator where she worked until she was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in October 2010. In the interim D'Arcy was blessed with a granddaughter Keira who was born in 2005. They would spend hours together gardening, identifying things living in the garden, baking, doing household chores, engaging in lengthy conversations, singing and colouring where she taught Keira the rules of colouring: 1. Colour in the lines 2. Do your best 3. If you finish your picture first, help your friend finish theirs D'Arcy had the most engaging smile and wore it consistently and with ease. She was approached daily by complete strangers who asked directions (good luck), where to find items in stores or which plants they should buy, recipes or what colours they should choose for decorating. Her many friends were also her gardening, shopping, cooking, baking, jewelry making, travelling, cottaging, scrapbooking, sewing, decorating, wine drinking, margarita blending, Sudoku, crypto quotes, dancing, jogging, yoga-ing, running, golfing, and singing partners. Together, D'Arcy and Brett loved to drive to the Grand Forks for the weekend to shop and relax. D'Arcy granted Brett's lone bucket list wish and accompanied him to Lincoln to watch the Nebraska Cornhuskers. It was one of the most cherished moments in Brett's life and a wonderful getaway for them both. D'Arcy also served as an assistant coach and manager on many of Sean and Jordan soccer teams when they were young and she was completely devoted to watching them compete in judo, hockey, lacrosse, mountain biking, fencing, soccer, inline hockey, hockey and football. D'Arcy was the ultimate sport mom and proud of it and of her sons' many accomplishments. Her boys meant everything to her. D'Arcy began cancer treatment in January 2011 but by March it was evident the treatment was not meeting its goals. She took the summer to visit her family in British Columbia accompanied by Brett, Sean and Keira. It was a trip of a lifetime and she spent every minute of it soaking up family, especially her nieces Santana and Ruby and watching them play with Keira. She also spent her last of many Mayfest's and Bellfest's with her very good friends the May and Bell families. In the fall she began further treatments and ultimately received a bone marrow transplant on November 15, 2011. Complications arose in February and on March 9 she received an infusion of more bone marrow. Further complications arose that eventually led to her passing on in peace surrounded by her husband, sons and close friends. Brett would like to thank Reverend Jamie Howison, Sean, Susan Pearce and Darlene Rivard for helping guide D'Arcy with their caring words in her final moments with us. The Summers family would also like to recognize the kindness, compassion and determined efforts demonstrated by everyone at CancerCare Manitoba and the GD6 ward at Health Sciences Centre. Special thanks to Dr. R. Kumar who was D’Arcy’s primary physician, Tom Roche, and Susan Pearce, Bonnie Camirand and unit attendants Bert, Dolly, Frank and Paula, and room attendant Nadira all whom saw D’Arcy on daily basis and sang with her, talked, did puzzles, told stories, gave poetry and revelled in the Boston Bruins existence with her. Almost all the nurses on the GD6 ward treated D’Arcy. Brett will forever be grateful for their professionalism, compassion and consideration for D’Arcy’s well being and dignity. Their duties are complex and difficult but their kindness is immeasurable. D’Arcy you will be forever cherished as a best friend and wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother aunt and friend. Your intelligence, strength, will, caring, kindness and compassion for others was limitless and your influence was and will forever be felt. A Service celebrating D’Arcy’s life will be held in St. Benedict’s Table located in All Saints Anglican Church, 175 Colony Street (Broadway and Osborne) on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the Summers family invite you all to use and share D’Arcy’s rules of colouring with your friends and family.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 28, 2012
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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Brett, I'm so sorry to have heard about D'arcy - although we only knew each other for a short time, the one thing that stands out in my mind is her amazing smile, she was so much fun...it was obvious how much you loved each other! I hope you and your family are able to find comfort with one another - thinking of you! Love Laurie - Posted by: Laurie Purdom (2nd cousin) on: Jun 24, 2012
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My sinceret condolences on the passing of D'Arcy. She was a one of a kind, amazingly strong, fabulous woman and I consider myself so lucky to have crossed paths with such a special person, shared stories with her, and learned from her. She exemplified strength, perserverence, courage, kindness, sincerity, authenticity, love, and a heart that was never ending. Brett, I wish you and your family love, strength, support during this sad time; my thoughts and prayers are with you. I know D'Arcy is looking down at you with her sparkling eyes and smiling (perhaps also wondering when you and Kira will be planting her garden!!!) - Posted by: Paula (current location: Copenhagen) (Someone lucky to have met D'Arcy) on: Jun 02, 2012
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I can only imagine how much you will all miss D'Arcy. My condolences to Brett, Sean and Jordan. Although I have not seen you too often since you moved away from Moorgate St. I often think of the times when Sean and Jordan would ride their tricycles to my door and come in for a visit and sometimes a game of cards. They have grown into fine men Brett I hope that all your friends will help you recover from this great loss. Jean - Posted by: Jean Highmoor (Friend and ex neighbour) on: Jun 01, 2012
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D'Arcy was an amazingly patient woman, as clearly evidenced by her life-long tolerance of Brett and of my occasional, unannounced arrivals on the doorstep. Always quick with a warm smile and caring conversation, she's helped many of us work our way through life's trials. While I'll miss her, as will we all, I'll always have awesome memories to hold onto. I'm sure she will be the major topic of conversation, crying, and smiles on the second inagural canoe trip. Godspeed woman and look out for us like you always do. - Posted by: Steve Cara (Friend and occasional house-guest) on: May 31, 2012
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I'm so so saddened to hear of D'arcy's passing. I was hoping to see her this year on my visit to Winnipeg. She was an amazing supportive co-worker who always encouraged and believed in me. I'm so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Michelle Chretien (Ex co worker) on: May 30, 2012
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Dear Brett and family I wish to pass on our condolences on your loss. D'Arcy was a wonderful person and will forever be missed. Please take care of yourself and your family you will need each other more than ever now. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Rick & Tracey Pearson (Friend & co-worker) on: May 30, 2012
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We were so very sorry to hear of the passing of D'Arcy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember at Jordan and Cam's hockey games how Brett would stand at the end of the rink by himself and D'Arcy would say he had to because that was the swearing zone! She could always make you laugh! Our deepest condolences. The Coverdale family - Posted by: Melody, Dave, Cameron and Kristen Coverdale () on: May 29, 2012
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Our deepest sympathy to Brett, Sean and Jordan, so sorry to hear this news and so saddened that we never got to share recent times with D’Arcy. Some of my best memories are with D’Arcy and the children at Delta Beach. One memory that stands out is when we were all huddled under the kitchen table during a bad thunder storm. We were all certain that the cottage would be blown down. We shared many happy times together when the children were young and before we moved out here to BC. You will always be remembered by me for your great company, delicious pancakes, (loved your cooking, such a good cook) and you’re decorating skills. I also always loved your no nonsense approach to life and quick humor, you were great at 911 – so funny when I think back to the stories you told. I’ve missed you and will never be able to tell you that now, for that I am sorry. Love you D’Arcy – Doreen Middleditch I will always remember the many good times we had growing up. We had more laughs together than can be mentioned. I will miss you a lot! – Uncle Al My sincerest condolences to Sean, Jordan, and Brett. Having moved so early in life to B.C, it is remarkable the amount of memories I made with your wonderful family. From sleepovers at the cottage to days spent at Delta Beach playing in the sand. I will never forget the time Jordan and Sean hid me in the backseat of their car and halfway home I jumped out and surprised D’Arcy. I will never forget her smile. I am saddened that I did not see more of you all during the past years, but know that I love you and always will be here for you. Rest in Peace D’Arcy – Chelsea Middleditch - Posted by: Doreen, Allan and Chelsea Middleditch (Family) on: May 29, 2012
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Brett, Robin-Ann and I are very sorry to hear about D’arcy’s passing. We had some great times together especially the time we took the road trip to Bismarck for the Street Survival seminar. That was a lot of fun, Robin-Ann still talks about the great shopping they did. She still talks about Darcy’s idea for them to buy matching snowman ornaments to remember the trip. It’s placed on our tree every year. We are thinking about you all the time, she will be remembered always. Your friends always, Brian & Robin-Ann Shuster - Posted by: Brian & Robin-Ann Shuster (friends) on: May 28, 2012
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Dear Brett and family, our deepest sympathy to you all for the loss of D'Arcy she was truly an amazing lady. It was always a pleasure seeing D'Arcy either at work or as a former neighbour she always had a beautiful smile and cheerie hello. With our fond memories of her she will always be remembered. Brett, not only was she the love of your life and best friend, the two of you shared something that some people never experience in a lifetime - TRUE LOVE - Always remember, that those we love remain with us for love itself lives on, and cherished memories never fade because a loved one's gone. Those we love can never be more than a thought apart, for as long as there is memory, they'll live on in the heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dale & Steve Martinos - Posted by: Dale and Steve Martinos (friend) on: May 28, 2012
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Jordan, Brett, Sean, Janique and Keira The Owen family is sending you our sincere condolences. We were very happy to have met D'Arcy. We will never forget her smile and contageous laugh. D'Arcy had a wonderful, warm and sincere personality which made us feel immediately welcomed. Jordan we will ALWAYS be here for you...whenever you need...for whatever you need. Susan, Madisson and Carly Owen - Posted by: Susan Owen (friend) on: May 28, 2012
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My deepest condolences Brett, Sean, and Jordan. Your mother was an amazing person! She had a way to bring me 'up' when I was down...all she had to do was smile and give me a nod. I will miss my breakfast buddy..and the many moments of laughter. Love you D'Arcy. - Posted by: Barb Muzik (co-worker and friend ) on: May 28, 2012
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