Rebecca Summerhays ’11 PhD

Rebecca Summerhays ’11 PhD, of Wellesley, Mass.; Apr. 28, of ovarian cancer. She dedicated her career as a teacher and professor to helping young people—especially young women—realize their potential and self-worth. From her early days in Mormon feminism to her work with survivors of domestic abuse to her efforts at Wellesley, her advocacy for women’s value and equality was a constant throughout her adulthood. Her life and spirit were filled with adventure. She practiced yoga in India, descended into the Amazon and scaled the Andes in Peru, solo trekked the Camino de Santiago across Spain, walked the Coast to Coast Walk in England, mushed dog sleds in Quebec, and snorkeled the reefs of St. John and Hawaii. She is survived by her partner, Tad; her dad; three siblings; and nieces and nephews.