1. The world lost some of its light and warmth with the passing of Summer Elizabeth Speidell of Glen Allen, Virginia, on January 19, 2026. Summer was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 5, 1977, and moved with her family to Portsmouth, Virginia, in 1982. She grew up with her two older brothers, Paul and Lance, loving school, sports, and the friends she made easily and cherished long. Summer was known for her caring yet competitive spirit, quick mind, irrepressible sense of humor, unwavering devotion to family and friends, and love of photography and crafting. 

   She graduated from Churchland High School, where she served as class president and captain of the softball, basketball, and volleyball teams. She attended Mary Washington College, where she continued her sports career as a member of the Eagles women’s basketball team until her graduation in 1999. She chose education as her career and spent years teaching elementary school students in the Richmond area, taking particular pride in her years teaching in Petersburg. Ultimately, she taught in and then directed the preschool program at Shady Grove Family YMCA.

   Summer’s greatest passion in life was her children: Jacob, Braden, and Abigail Buxbaum. A self-described “Mama Bear,” Summer enjoyed many of her happiest times when supporting, cheering for, and just hanging out with Jacob, Braden, and Abby. 

   Summer leaves a world of happy memories for her children; her parents, Phyllis and Walt Speidell; her brothers, Paul (Shannon) and Lance (Lori) Speidell; and her beloved nieces and nephews, Connor (Macy), Riley, Cooper, Henry, and Sloane Speidell. She also leaves a wide circle of caring friends in Glen Allen and elsewhere as well as a large, supportive family in the Hampton Roads area and beyond.

   Summer’s family wishes to thank her doctors and other medical providers, Chapters Health Hospice, Care Advantage home health care, and countless friends and family for making her final days as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

   For those wishing to express sympathy, we invite you to support Summer’s passions for helping those in need and childhood education by supporting Motley’s Mission (www.motleysmission.org, donation:  https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/4384964 ) or the Shady Grove Family YMCA (www.ymcarichmond.org/programs/donate/). 

   Due to the weather conditions, Summer’s celebration of life has been adjusted. It is now scheduled for Monday, February 2, at 2:00 pm at Bliley’s Funeral Home at 8510 Staples Mill Road, Richmond, VA 23228.