Elizabeth “Betty” A. Sommer

Elizabeth A. Sommer (Betty) of Shell Point Retirement Community in Fort Myers, Florida passed away on July 27, 2017 at the age of 93. She was born on January 13, 1924, in Louisville, Kentucky to Dr Frank J. O’Brien and Dr Arabelle J. O’Brien (nee; Feldkamp). She was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Emil O. Sommer, Jr. (d. August 23, 2011) and her daughter Marie E. Key (d. August 25, 2012). She is survived by her sons, Peter D. Sommer of Houston Texas and Emil O. Sommer III of Kapaa, Hawaii, nine grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Betty grew up in Scarsdale, New York and attended Georgian Court College in Lakewood, New Jersey. From 1942 to1943 she was a fashion model in New York City and on August 24, 1942 was on the cover of LIFE magazine. She married Emil, also of Scarsdale, on November 12, 1943.

Betty enjoyed many volunteer activities especially those with the Girl Scouts as a leader, a trainer of leaders, and eventually as President of the Taconic Girl Scout Council for 6 years. She was active in the Junior League, first in Scarsdale and later in Northern Westchester where she was President for two years. She was involved as a volunteer for the United Fund, the Lighthouse for the Blind, the PTA and her church. In Florida, Betty served on the Board of Directors of the Florida Senior Women’s Golf Association for eight years, the last as president. She was President of the Women’s Golf Association of both the Whippoorwill Country Club in New York and the Marco Island Country Club. She was an active member of the Art League of Marco Island and served on its Board of Directors.

Through the years Betty enjoyed painting, bridge, reading and all types of needlework, especially needlepoint and knitting, both of which she designed. She played a variety of sports and was a dedicated sports fan, especially golf.

Make any contributions in her name to the charity of your choice.

Friends are invited to send condolences via the on-line guest book which can be found at www.MullinsMemorial.com.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.