Jayne Summers

Jayne (Crosby) Summers, 73, died Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011, at home in Rochester, N.Y., after a long, courageous battle with Alzheimers disease. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Ethel (Henry) and Kenneth Crosby, and her brother, Robert Crosby. She is survived by her husband, John Dutch Summers; her sister, Caryl Young and her husband, C. John, of Friendswood, Texas; her sons, Andrew Holland and his wife, Janet, of Framingham, and Kenneth Holland of Cotuit; her daughter, Susan Conrado and her husband, Ronald Conrado Jr., of Westborough; and her stepsons, Douglas Summers and his partner, Harold Willson, of Rochester, N.Y., Todd Summers and his wife, Casey, of Canandaigua, NY, and Jeffrey Summers and his wife, Debora, of Sahuarita, Ariz. Jayne also leaves her former husband, Robert Holland of Ashland/Mashpee, who, along with his wife, Regina, remained close friends. Jayne had eight grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. Jayne was driven, respected, and well liked. From a young age her drive and enthusiasm became apparent. She was president of Newton HS, Class of 1955, a member of the national honor society and also enjoyed cheerleading, basketball, and softball. Attending Syracuse University she was a member of the Tri-Delta Sorority, graduating with a business degree and additionally graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in history from Framingham State College in 1970. She had many phases of her life including being a stay-home mom to her three young children with Bob. Her plans to be a history teacher were changed when she was needed in the family business. She took control of Kenneth Crosby Co. and excelled. Frequently referred to as a pioneer she broke through barriers in a traditionally all-male industrial distribution market. She worked tirelessly as a committee and board member of the local and national associations related to her industry. Jayne expanded the distributorship into the Rochester, N.Y., market and eventually moved there full-time. Several acquisitions widened the scope of coverage in New York. She supported her husband, Dutch, in the creation of a myriad of real-estate and business ventures. Their philanthropic work included their time, insight, and money to a broad range of charities and non-profit organizations. They traveled the world yet always had time to share with those in need. Jayne leaves a strong legacy. Her charisma, smile, and talents touched many people. Family, friends, and business associates are invited to an open house celebrating Jaynes life on Saturday, April 16, at the Jayne C. Summers Hall at Nazareth College Arts Center, in Rochester, N.Y. from 2 to 5 p.m.