Viola Sommer

SOMMER--Viola Sommer, nee Landsberg, wife of Sigmund Sommer, the well-known New York real estate developer and noted race horse owner, succumbed to a long illness after having just turned 88 with her three loving children and grandchildren at her side on Sunday, October 4, 2009. Born in New York City on September 19, 1921, she attended the Julia Richman High School and Hunter College. During World War II, she worked for the USO, interviewing servicemen for the military upon their return from the front. Mrs. Sommer lived in the New York metropolitan area for almost all of her life, and with Sigmund, ran one of the most successful thoroughbred racing stables of its time, during the 1960s and 70s. With Frank Martin as trainer, they were leading money winners in North America for ten consecutive years. They owned Sham, who won the 1973 Santa Anita Derby, and who took second place in the Wood Memorial Stakes over Secretariat, who finished third. He placed in two of the three legs of the Triple Crown in the same year, when Secretariat won the three races. In the Kentucky Derby, Sham placed second to Secretariat, yet still broke the track record after stumbling in the gate. Even after Sigmund Sommer's death, Viola Sommer remained active in the company he founded, Sigmund Sommer Properties. She also distinguished herself by winning the Eclipse Award for outstanding owner in 1982, and serving as a trustee with the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and the Jockey Club for many years. She is survived by her older brother Eugene, 94, her 3 children, Jack Sommer, Susan Sommer Schweitzman, and Dr. Barbara Sommer Fisher, and by 10 grandchildren. Mrs. Sommer's memorial service will take place on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 12 noon at The Riverside Memorial Chapel on the corner of 76th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. Memorial gifts may be made to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and sent to the Office of Development, 525 East 68 Street, Box 123, NYC 10065.