Peggy Summy Achey

Peggy Summy Achey, 67, of Elizabethtown, passed away at home surrounded by family on Sunday, January 22, 2017 after waging a most courageous battle for over a year.
She was born on June 24, 1949 in Campbelltown, daughter to the Late John C. and Martha Krady Summy.

Peggy had a very rich and rewarding life and enjoyed every minute.  She was a most remarkable person in so many ways!  A loving wife, mother, grandmother and devoted friend to so many.  She always offered a truly infectious and sincere smile to everyone she met along her way.  Her genuine and pleasing personality bestowed her with so very many friendships throughout her life.  Peggy had a special place in her heart for all children.  And, there is nothing in the world that would delight her more than spending time with her five grandsons from the very day they were born.  She watched and coddled them all as they developed through their birth, childhood, and ultimately maturing into the wonderful young men they’re all becoming.  While she dearly and equally loved them all, each individual grandson was very special to her for their own unique and endearing qualities.  Peggy was so extremely proud of her son Michael, daughter Julie, and step-daughter Lisa for the wonderful people and parents that they have become.  She always looked forward to fun times hosting the occasional “game night” with all the kids and grandkids, especially around the holidays. For those who knew Peggy, and for the many who love and miss her… should always reflect back on her with a kind smile and with pleasant memories. Peggy would sincerely want it just that way!

Peggy retired in 2009 from the Finance and Business Department in College of Medicine at Penn State Hershey Medical Center after nearly 30 years of service.  As the Administrative Assistant to the Associate V.P. for Finance, she served as a valued and talented resource at all levels of the organization including serving with the PSHMC Board of Directors, past College Deans, Department Chairs, and many more.  Peggy also developed a program to provide skill training and mentorship for Administrative Assistants throughout the organization.  She was also honored as a past recipient of the Penn State University Finance and Business Customer Service Award which was a selection from PSU F&B staff state-wide.

Since retiring Peggy loved traveling throughout the USA in a motorhome along with her husband Terry and her “best dog ever”, Spike the 6 lb.Yorkie.  Together they visited with family members in many states and enjoyed visiting many beautiful National Parks and Monuments.  They visited all but 6 states and had the pleasure of making many, many friends along the way especially while spending winter months in Florida and Arizona.  Peggy also enjoyed years of attending the many sporting events that the grandsons were engaged in which included pretty much every school sport played with a ball.  She enjoyed going to the movies, playing and watching golf, cheering for Penn State football and the Eagles, and she really was an outstanding dancer, too.  Above all, Peggy sincerely enjoyed people.  Her gregarious nature and outgoing personality came quite naturally to her which is why she fit so comfortably in any social or business setting.  Peggy very much enjoyed a special relationship with a small group of girlfriends from Palmyra High School that continued to remain close and gather together on a frequent basis for luncheons and other fun times.  Their longstanding relationship is a tribute to true friendship and loyalty.

Peggy is survived by her husband of 25 years, Terry;  Son Michael Rizzo (Kim) Hershey; Daughters Julie Rizzo (New Cumberland) and Lisa Wentling (Michael) Lebanon; Five Grandson, Anthony Rizzo, Nicholas Rizzo, Trenton Matter, Joseph Matter, and Derrik Brennan.  Additionally, brothers James Summy (Palmyra) ; George “Cork” Summy (Sporting Hill); Sisters Helen Summy Scott (Carlisle); Gail Summy Uctum (Florida); Janet Summy Killian (Palmyra); Francis Summy Greiner (Ulysses,PA).  As the youngest of 13 children Peggy is preceded in death by brothers John Summy, Russell Summy, Gary Summy, sisters Marlene Summy; Doris Summy Frank; and Joann Summy Muzikar.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 11:30 AM at Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 25 W. Pine St., Palmyra 17078.  Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10 AM until time of the service.  In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to the Children's Miracle Network at the Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital.