Eileen Stanton Summitt

Eileen Frances (Stanton) Summitt of Niceville, FL, formerly of Canton, MA, died March 2, 2018.  She was born June 13, 1952 in Boston, MA to the late Leonard Joseph and Catherine Frances (Keane) Stanton and was the 3rd of 5 children.  She was a retired Navy Reserve Lieutenant Commander and retired registered nurse.

Eileen earned her high school diploma from Fontbonne Academy in Milton, MA in 1970 and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) from Boston State College in 1977.  During Nursing School, she worked in Medical Technology at Boston City Hospital and, after receiving her degree, she worked two years as a Staff Nurse at Boston City Hospital.

In November 1978, LCDR Summitt entered the U. S. Navy as a Nurse Corps Officer and was assigned to the Naval Hospital, Groton, CT.  In February 1982, she was transferred to the Naval Hospital in Charleston, SC.  In addition to her duties as a staff and charge nurse, she was heavily involved in the quality assurance and education programs.

In March 1985, LCDR Summitt was released from active duty and immediately joined a Reserve Unit in Charleston, SC.  During the remainder of her career, she served in 8 separate Reserve Units including 2 Fleet Hospitals; held responsible positions as a staff nurse, training officer, division officer and executive officer; and was recalled to active duty for both Desert Shield and Desert Storm.  She retired in November 1977.  LCDR Summitt qualified for the National Defense Ribbon and the Military Outstanding Voluntary Service Award.

Since retirement, LCDR Summitt has participated in numerous community and educational projects and served on home association projects and committees.

She is survived by her husband Admiral James Knox Summitt, USN Retired of Niceville, FL; a son, William Stanton Summitt of Niceville; three brothers, Leonard Joseph Stanton Jr. of Houston, TX, John William Stanton of Wellington, FL, and Michael Stanton of Foxboro, MA.  Eileen was predeceased by her sister Lorraine Elizabeth Stanton of South Boston, MA.

There will be a time of visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday March 8, 2018 at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home, 2201 North Partin Drive in Niceville.  Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Father Robert Johnson officiating.  Interment will follow in Heritage Gardens Cemetery.

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