Summer Nicole Claypoole

Tragically, on September 30, 2023, our beloved Summer Nicole Claypoole was taken from us far too soon. To all who knew her, the words generous, brilliant, supportive, compassionate and fun loving don’t begin to describe the essence of Summer's spirit. She made esoteric pursuits seem effortlessly cool. She embraced all things Baltimore, including her love of the Ravens, Orioles and the communities where she lived and worked.

Summer was a remarkable individual who had a positive impact on family, friends, co-workers and all who were fortunate enough to have met her. Friends describe her as loyal, confident, humble, curious, authentic and a genuine leader. She was unapologetically herself which in turn gave others permission to be themselves. She was perpetually thirsty for knowledge and loved learning alongside young people. One of the young people that she worked with described her as "a beacon of all that's good in the world." Friends loved that she was so close to her parents, enjoyed reading, dark humor, the ocean, art, justice, and Kermit the Frog. Her devotion to her two cats, Mikey and Marg, was unsurpassed.

Summer graduated with honors from Catonsville High School and the University of Delaware. After graduation from college, her first job as a nanny gave her the gift of loving Matthew Motz. Their bond is forever. She later chose to work at mission oriented organizations including the Heart of America and Art with a Heart. Her heart was evident in everything she did. In between career pursuits, Summer found time to satisfy her wanderlust by traveling to Nicaragua, Cuba, Peru, Greece, Italy, Israel, Western Europe and parts of the United States. She immersed herself in the cultures of all of these communities. On a hurricane relief mission, she dug a hundred foot trench for pipes by hand on her own.

Summer is survived by her beloved parents, Chris and Mary Ellen Claypoole (nee Fee). She was their world and they will continue to do their best to live up to Summer's example. Her Aunt Barbara and Uncle Wayne Sharrer knew that she was the most exceptional gift. Her paternal aunts and uncles, Michelle and the late Gino Todd, Jan Neel and Marty Nelson, the late Cindy Claypoole and Sue and Tom Small cherished her. Her cousin Brent Sharrer, his wife Rachelle and their children Ben, Nick and Kate treasured every moment with Summer. Martha, Bob, the late Adam, Brad and Andrea Dyjak were Summer's dear second family. Cassie Motz, Summer's mentor and "big sister" always believed in Summer's talents. Her paternal grandparents, the late Delores and Walter Claypoole were so proud of her. Her late Grandmother, Mary Fee, was her buddy and they adored each other. Their relationship was a joy to behold.

A Celebration of Summer's life will be held 2:00 P.M., Saturday, October 28, 2023 at the Pearlstone Retreat Center, 5425 Mt. Gilead Rd., Reisterstown, MD 21136. Please feel free to wear Oriole orange as this was Summer's favorite color. The ceremony will be held in an outdoor pavilion so dress accordingly. When you enter the Pearlstone Center, follow signs to the Campus/Farm Pavilion. Turn left past the white greenhouses. Parking attendants will direct you from there.

The Family has asked that all donations be made in Summer's name to CollegeBound Foundation where a scholarship has been established. https://secure.qgiv.com/for/summerclaypoolememorialscholarship/

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Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sterlingashtonschwabwitzke.com for the Claypoole family.