Fern Ann Summa

Fern Ann Summa of Cypress, Texas went to be with the Lord on Thanksgiving Day, November 23,2023. After weeks surrounded by her family that loved her, she passed peacefully, holding hands with her husband Charlie, and surrounded by her main caretakers—daughters Karen and Cathy and Son David.

Fern was born on January 16, 1940, in Waterbury CT, the second child of Jerry and Theresa Shea.

Fern was married January 2,1960 to George (Tom) Cunningham and raised five children together until his death on May 19, 1969.

Fern met her current husband Charlie through her brother Jerry. Fern and her five children were blessed when Charlie proposed to her, ultimately marrying on April 29, 1972. As their family grew with a 6th child in 1973, they bought a house in Beacon Falls, CT where they resided until 1976. In the Fall of 1976, they moved to Houston, Texas where she and her family have called home ever since.

Fern was a loving and dedicated wife and mother. She was the nurturing matriarch of her family throughout her life, doing whatever was necessary to support and care for them. Fern devoted herself to her family by staying at home to raise her children and manage her household. She was the epitome of “Family First”. She joined the work force as a cafeteria worker for CFISD after her children were grown. She then left the workforce to care for her mother Theresa Shea and mother-in law Mary Summa.

Throughout Ferns’ life her energy centered around family. She is survived by her husband Charlie Summa; son Tom Cunningham and wife Jenny; daughter Cathy Cunningham and spouse Janel Greig; daughter Karen Rodgers and husband Brian; son David Cunningham; and son CJ Summa and wife Tricia. She was also Mimi to 10 grandchildren—Rachel (Kirk), Kristin (Donald), Jake, Kara, Ron, Theresa, Justin, Hannah, Colton, and Mark; 9 great grandchildren—Sawyer, Jonah, Millie, Emmalynn, Reagan, KayLee, Emberlynn, Isaiah, Junior; as well as her goddaughter and niece Donna, her great-nephew Tyler, along with 10 nieces and 9 nephews.

Fern is preceded in death by her parents Jerry and Theresa Shea, her siblings Jerry Shea and Patricia Carnwright, as well as her son Ron Cunningham.

Her legacy is her faith, husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren that loved her and appreciated the life and path she provided for all of them. Fern was also a fighter, being a 35-year survivor of breast cancer.

Thanksgiving will now be an annual celebration of her life for her family that adored her to give thanks for her grace and the love she bestowed until her final breath. We love you, Mom!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice in Fern’s name.

Sympathy Cards can be sent to Brookside Cypress Creek Funeral Home

C/O Charles L Summa

9149 Hwy 6 N Houston, TX 77095