Elgin H. Summerfelt

January 22, 1949 - July 31, 2020

Elgin H. Summerfelt died suddenly at age 71 on July 31, 2020 at his home in Shirley, MA. Beloved husband of Lorraine S. Summerfelt, née Sroka, and brother of Ann Summerfelt of Pennsylvania, he was born in Champaign, Illinois on January 22, 1949 to Len and Mary Humrichouse Summerfelt. Elgin earned a B.S. in Psychology and Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Purdue University. His counseling career spanned more than 40 years, beginning with an internship at the University of Iowa, where he counseled students and staff, and continuing through the current year as primary consultant at Finding Your Life, LLC, where he advised clients about careers and retirement. As Associate Director of Career Services/Counseling Psychology at Drake University from 1977-85, he designed and programmed a database application for employer job specifications that matched graduate students and alumni. He served as Associate Director of Career Services at Bentley College from 1985-95, where he co-founded the Greater Boston MBA Placement Consortium. From 1998-2003, he was an outplacement consultant for DBM (Drake Beam Morin), where he earned “Super Star Consultant” ranking for placing in the top 5 percent nationally for outstanding service to customers. At Career Source from 2010-2017, he provided job search advice at a One Stop Career Center through Middlesex Community College. During his life Elgin seized every opportunity to share his expertise and compassion. Even while hospitalized earlier this year, he provided mini-coaching about self-care for the doctors and nurses who cared for him. Elgin is survived by Lorraine, his loving wife of 34 years, his daughter Kristine and his son Ryan, his virtual daughter Rhonda Litzenberg, and his virtual son Zakai ben-Chaim, and 3 grandchildren. In his younger years he loved sailing and fenced. A skilled raconteur who loved jazz, gardening, and single malt scotches, he was also known for making a wonderful El-gin and tonic. Elgin was an active member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Acton, for over 30 years, serving his beloved church in a variety of ways, including serving on the vestry, Pastoral Search Committee, and as a Lay Eucharistic Minister. Elgin’s service as Master of Ceremonies of a variety of church events is legendary. Elgin was a committed member of Massachusetts Episcopal Cursillo, and currently served on the Secretariat of MEC. During his life, Elgin’s wisdom and generosity of spirit enriched the lives of many, and he leaves behind an exceptionally wide circle of friends and clients. The funeral and interment of ashes will be on Saturday, August 8, at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the Church of the Good Shepherd, 164 Newtown Rd, Acton, MA, 01720. Please wear a mask and bring your own seating for socially distanced seating circles. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all guests must register to attend at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0a4cafad2da46-funeral. The service will also be livestreamed on the church Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Church-of-the-Good-Shepherd-Acton-Episcopal-201769349872921/. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Good Shepherd, 164 Newtown Rd, Acton, MA, 01720. The Anderson Funeral Home, (978) 772-2355, is assisting the family with arrangements. For additional information, or to leave an online condolence, please visit their website at www.andersonfuneral.com. Condolences may also be sent to Lorraine c/o Church of the Good Shepherd.