Genia Sommer

Genia is survived by her many family members who received her love and devotion and hold her memory dear: a daughter and son-in-law, Vicki Sommer-Kivitz and Alan Kivitz; a son and daughter-in law, Harry Sommer and Joby Swerdlow; six grandchild­ren and their spouses: Janine and Greg Werstil; Melissa Kivitz-Krantzow and Michael Krantzow; David Sommer; Matthew and Rebeccah Kivitz; Shana Sommer and Amber Sommer; eight great-grandchildren: Jack, Levi and Adam Werstil, Eloise, Nora and Milo Krantzow, Elon and Leah Kivitz; and a large extended family in the U.S. and Israel who saw her as a second mother and grandmother.

Genia was born in Poland, a Holocaust Survivor. She created a family and searched for a new life after surviving the destruction of her own family and society and the 6 million Jews who perished in WWII. Immigrating to the United States with her husband, Jack Sommer, after the war, she raised her two children and resumed her education, obtaining a bachelor’s degree and master’s degrees in psychology and library science. Her focus was on her family, with a work ethic, positive attitude and emphasis on education as the means towards independence and self-fulfillment.

Originally living in New York, Genia moved to Hollidaysburg in 1984, helping to raise her grandchildren. She had many friends, admirers and accomplishments. She was an avid reader, artist, seamstress, gardener and card player in Canasta and Bridge, establishing herself at the master level for Bridge. Genia’s devotion, love and interest in her family’s lives provided support and wisdom to many. Her memory and love for her family lives on.