We created this memorial to celebrate the life of Samantha O’Connell. Collecting your stories and memories here will allow us from all over to share in our feelings together . As we plan virtual and in person gatherings, we will share details here. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
OBITUARY
Sam, Sami, Sammy, Sammy pie, Sammy doodles, whatever you called her, she was a lovely person with a kind heart. She had far more than 9 lives as we all know. She loved animals, always could make anyone laugh, she loved to read and sing and dance. She had no idea how wonderful she was, but those who truly knew her know. We can hear her laughter echoing in our heads as we try to balance the pain in our hearts. Samantha as a small... see more
Sam, Sami, Sammy, Sammy pie, Sammy doodles, whatever you called her, she was a lovely person with a kind heart. She had far more than 9 lives as we all know. She loved animals, always could make anyone laugh, she loved to read and sing and dance. She had no idea how wonderful she was, but those who truly knew her know. We can hear her laughter echoing in our heads as we try to balance the pain in our hearts. Samantha as a small child asked "Mom what's that tree doing?" I said "It is a weeping willow and the branches grow down". She was really upset that the tree was sad and approached it. She told the tree not to be sad and that if it looked up at the sun it would be happy.
I knew Sam basically from the day she was born. I wish I could find my pictures because The first time I met her I had these long red nails and all she wanted to do was suck on them. Anyways. I loved her very much. She was an amazing person who had a... moreI knew Sam basically from the day she was born. I wish I could find my pictures because The first time I met her I had these long red nails and all she wanted to do was suck on them. Anyways. I loved her very much. She was an amazing person who had a life that filled the room. I hope she has found peace and is in the arms of someone I know loves her very much. less
Probably like everyone that met her, I remember when I first met Samantha. I can’t really explain what I felt in that moment but there was an instant kinship kind of feeling between us. Our story really began years later when I happened to be in the... moreProbably like everyone that met her, I remember when I first met Samantha. I can’t really explain what I felt in that moment but there was an instant kinship kind of feeling between us. Our story really began years later when I happened to be in the right place at the right time. Our worlds smashed together in a way that was both of a tragic and incredibly fortunate circumstance that led to changing lives profoundly. I imagine Sam’s entire life has been filled with this type of intense worlds smashing together with most everyone she called Friend or Family. Sam’s fierce passion to find independence was obvious and her wild heart is what I believe led her everywhere she has been. While the decisions that she made with me would be and have been viewed with hard judgement, I stand strong and proud of Samantha for choosing to break a cycle of dysfunction by allowing her daughters to shine the best parts of herself into the world. Samantha filled a hole in my heart just by allowing me to see, feel and be part of the intense blinding love that could beam out of her when she let it. The impact of her actions that led to THE MOST difficult choices she would ever have to make has spread and will continue to spread more love and joy beyond measure into so many lives. less