Jean Ruth Sumi

MADISON - Jean N. Sumi, age 100, died January 18, 2025 after a brief illness, within the comfort of family members. She was born January 4, 1925, to John and Erna Nagle (Wente) in Flint, Michigan. 

Jean fondly remembered growing up on Grosse Ile, Michigan where her father maintained a thriving medical practice. At the foot of their home’s driveway she caught the eye of a dashing Navy air cadet, Harold. They wed in 1944, then lived in Olathe, KS, Minneapolis, MN, and Park Ridge, IL before settling in Racine, WI in 1954. While Harold developed the aviation program for S.C. Johnson & Son, Jean raised their six children in their lakefront home. When all the children became school-aged she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at Carthage College in 1972, where she pursued her interest in history. 

Jean was active in the Junior League of Racine, the Tri-Delta Sorority, and at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. She was a skilled bridge player and enjoyed playing into her 90s. When Harold retired in 1979 they enjoyed traveling together, with trips to England and Egypt among Jean’s favorites. In 1987 they moved to Madison to be near children and grandchildren, and Jean enjoyed auditing courses at the University. Jean’s lifelong passion for gardening blossomed and she maintained extensive gardens at her home and at Luther Memorial Church. She also became an accomplished stained glass artist, leaving her children and grandchildren a legacy of beautiful pieces. 

Jean is survived by six children, David (JoAnn Kowalski) of Wynnewood, PA, Maryann (Carl Sinderbrand), Martha (Robert Luck), John (Gail), all of Madison, Pamela (Howard) Morton of Gurnee, IL, and Jeanne (Gene) Zechmeister of Charlottesville, VA; 11 grandchildren, Ian, Cara, Jacob, Molly, Emily, Eric, Anna, Laura, Sarah, Lisa, and Tom; and 6 great-grandchildren, Izzy, Rosie, Jocelyn, Tessa, Alex, and Jac. Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Harold W. Sumi, her parents, an older sister, Marylouise (Larson), a younger brother, John, and a cherished cat, Bridey. 

Her family is grateful for the care Jean received at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI during the last few months of her life. Jean lived a full, active life and she will be deeply missed by her family. 

A private remembrance among family members will be held at a future date. Memorials can be made to Wisconsin Public Radio or Doctors Without Borders.

Please share your memories of Jean by posting in her Guestbook.

Cress Funeral Services

3610 Speedway Road, Madison

(608) 238-3434