Marj Summers rose from the Niagara area to rule the bowling lanes. Her career began as early as 1940, but didn’t really take off until the fifties as organized bowling spread across Canada.

In 1960, Marj led the eastern bowlers to a near sweep over the West as Marj won the ladies singles crown with a narrow seven pin victory over the legendary Mary Curie of Calgary.

Marj returned with the title and promptly set a three game record at the Ace Bowl in St. Catharines with a 1081 triple (393-270-418).

Marj’s second trip to the nationals was to London and despite an exceptional tournament, Marj bowed to Sue Walker of Vancouver in the ladies singles competition despite average 260.

As well as being a national champion, Marj was also dominating the provincial and local scene.

Locally, in St. Catharines, Marj ruled the Ace Lanes. With Johnny Dix in all event mixed doubles, Marj rolled 968 and with John’s 975 set a doubles standard of 1943, the highest ever recorded at the time. She also used the Ace Lanes to bowl her 1081 triple and also record her high game of 441, which under the old count means "aces" on the last ball.

In the Carling’s Open, which was taken over by the bowlers in 1965, Marj qualified eight times before her retirement in 1975, and bowled as the singles representative seven times.

In the Masters, which was started in 1964, Marj won three events, including two in 1973. Marj also won the O’Connor Open, appeared on CBC television and won the ladies singles at the Sportsmen’s Show.

By 1975, Marj realized the large amount of time required to continue at the tope competitive level of our sport and chose to retire to pursue other interests in the area of arts and crafts. However, in recent years, both Marj and her husband Bill have returned to five pin bowling, but at a more recreational level.