‘Beautiful soul’: Tributes flow for Ipswich hair salon mogul Glenda Summerville

A well-known Ipswich hairdresser is being remembered for her strength, warmth, passion, and kindness after losing her battle with illness following covid-19 complications.

Hundreds across Ipswich are mourning the loss of a beloved grandmother, mother, businesswoman, hairdresser, and community leader, Glenda Summerville, who always went “above and beyond” for others and was a fighter until the end.

The widely-adored industry stalwart sadly passed on Saturday June 25 after an eight-year battle with ill health and, more recently, Covid-19 complications. She was 68.

The multi-award winning stylist was long considered an icon both in the hair and beauty industry and in the wider Ipswich community, where she was born and raised.

Ms Summerville attended school locally and undertook a hairdressing apprenticeship at just 15, learning from one of the region’s very best, Gary Sawyer, alongside the likes of Gaye Anderson.

With nine years of experience under her belt, and an unbridled determination, she opened her very first salon at Ipswich in 1977, aged 24.

Glenda Summerville (right) of Glenda's on Grange early in her career. Picture: David Nielsen

‘Glenda’s House of Hair’ became a place where she could hone her own skills and that of others. She trained hundreds of hopeful hairdressers over the years across her several local salons, and made a name for herself as the “queen of long hair upstyling”.

Ever-passionate about helping people – youth in particular – she also worked as a trainer with community group Youth Unemployed People of Ipswich and Challenge Employment and Training.

Ms Summerville went on to have two little girls, Candace Russell and Maugan Tavener, whom she raised while running her hairdressing empire and participating in a myriad of community events and projects.

Ms Russell said she had many fond memories of her mum, who was always “in and out of salons”.

“She’d always be doing someone’s hair, all the time,” Ms Russell said.

Moreton Region Youth Association Incorporated president Ken Millers and Glenda Summerville at their salon on Downs St. Picture: File

She said her mum was always “stunning”, with impeccable style, makeup, and – of course – hair, but it was her “beautiful soul” she was best known for.

“She was such a kind and caring person,” Ms Russell said.

“She would always go above and beyond for others. Always put others first.”

Ms Russell said she would always remember her mum as a fighter; willing to tackle any challenge thrown her way, including the many ailments she faced in her final years.

Glenda Summerville in 2006. Picture: File

She said her mum was the perfect example of a “strong, independent”, and “resilient” woman, whom she and her sister would forever admire and strive to be like.

“She was a brilliant mum,” Ms Russell said.

“She did everything for us. There was not one thing that we ever went without, growing up.

“I couldn’t ask for a better mother. She inspired us and she would always make us laugh with her bubbly personality and her infectious smile. She smiled with her eyes.”

Ms Summerville closed her last salon in 2019 to focus on her health and her family, spending as much time as possible with her grandchildren.

Glenda Summerville (right) of Glenda's on Grange recently handed over her business to new owners. Picture: David Nielsen

Maugan Tavener said her mum had always had a strong connection to Ipswich and loved servicing its residents.

“As a family, we would like to thank the love and support we have received, and also say a special thank you to the staff at the Saint Andrews Hospital for the care and support they have given our mum over the last few years,” Ms Tavener said.

Ipswich has certainly lost an icon, though Ms Russell said she is sure her mum’s finesse and love for hairdressing will live on through the many people she trained.

Ms Summerville is survived by her sister Letitia Lynch, her two daughters, her grandsons Jack, Aydan, Harrison, and Samuel, and her soon-to-be granddaughter, whom she was so excited to meet.

A funeral will be held at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church on Monday July 11, at 11am.