Christine Sumner

Christine Elizabeth Sumner (nee Morgan), aged 72, passed away on March 30, 2020. She was pre-deceased by her father, Hilber W. Morgan, and her mother, Helen C. Morgan (nee Cavanagh). She is survived by her husband, Thomas W. Sumner, her sister, Julia M. Lustic (Gary), five nieces, and a great niece and great nephew.

Chris had a rich history in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. She attended Fairfax Elementary School and Roxboro Middle School and graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in 1965. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green University and her Master’s from Cleveland State University. Chris started her teaching career in the Willoughby Eastlake School District in 1971, teaching 5th grade. In 1974 she became a teacher at University School in Shaker Heights, Ohio, teaching 4th grade and 3rd grade consecutively. In 1996 she became the Assistant Lower School Coordinator at University School and held that post until her retirement in 2012. She wore many hats at US, but never forgot what she loved most - teaching.

Chris also served the public school system tirelessly, holding an elected position on the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School Board from 1989 through 2003 and was board president several times throughout her tenure. She was politically active in the community, chairing multiple levy campaigns for the district, serving as campaign manager for Jane Campbell’s 1988 landslide reelection to the Ohio House of Representatives, and acting as an advisor to countless candidates over the years.

Education was her passion and she dedicated herself to both public and private sectors. She was an outstanding educator and even as an administrator found ways to connect with students. Her leadership and innovative ideas in education will be missed.

She organized and coordinated biennial reunions of Girl Scout Troop 1096. She treasured her friendships with these exceptional, loyal women.

She was a lifetime member of Fairmount Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a gift to University School Annual Fund, 2785 SOM Center Road, Hunting Valley, OH, 44022, or NWACCP, 200 South Barton Street, Fayetteville, AR, 72701.  Please mark gift memo In Memory of Christine Sumner.

No service is planned at this time.