Elizabeth Constance Sampson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Betty Sampson. She died as per her wishes, at home, surrounded by her 10 children. Her life was marked by endurance, strength, resilience; but most of all loving kindness.

Born in Halifax, NS, Betty was the middle daughter of the late Cornelius and Hannah Leahy (Foley). She grew up in Halifax and Chester. She loved the outdoors, loved to swim and was a great badminton player. At 18 she went to work for the federal government and quickly rose to a C4. Her life changed at 24 when she fell in love with and married Clyde Sampson. They braved life together for 62 years raising and guiding 10 children, 30 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren.

When we asked mom what she was most proud of in her long life she answered, "my children, because they all turned out wonderful". We all felt this support and did our best to live up to her standards. All her grandchildren, near and far, felt seen, loved and appreciated by her. She never forgot and always acknowledged birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, or any life event big or small. She extended this kindness beyond her family to the many other people who were lucky enough to be in her life. Mom had a gift for writing and for finding the right words in any situation. She touched many people with her kind notes and she kept journals for many years.

She has told us that she always thought she would be a reporter or journalist. In our family, we celebrated everything with a party. One of her greatest joys was watching us all have fun. She attended our sporting events, concerts, plays, performances... too many to count. She followed tennis and hockey until she died and one of her fondest memories was attending the Rogers Cup Tennis tournament with her son Roger in Toronto when she was 89. She laughed along with us right to the end.

A life well lived and with great impact. She will be missed beyond measure.

She is survived by her children: Marlene Sampson (Ron MacDonald), Janet O'Hara, Michael (Elsie) Sampson. Thomas (Theresa) Sampson, Paul (Cheryl) Sampson, Peter (Allison) Sampson, Deborah (Greg) Mitchell, Dianna (Warren) Schacher, Roger (Carla) Sampson, Gail Sampson, 30 Grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. She is also survived by brother in law Reg Harper and Donnie Sampson; sister in law Helen Leahy; special friends Donna Mosher and Ellen Rhind; many nieces and nephews who she had close relationships with. She was predeceased by her husband Clyde Sampson, parents Con and Hannah Leahy, in laws George and Annie Sampson, son in law Phil O'Hara, sisters Marguerite Harper and Mary Ching, brother William Leahy, brothers in law George Ching and Roy, Alonzo, Gordon, Pat, Jimmy, Billy, Joe, Sidney Sampson.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Salvation Army or Alice House and be kind to one another.

We would like to thank Dr. Alexandra Vivhelin, palliative care team, physiotherapy team, Bayshore care workers for their kindness, attention and compassion extended to our mother.

Visitation will take place at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive Halifax, on Monday October 19 6:00-8:00pm. Funeral services will be held at Saint Agnes Roman Catholic Parish Church, 6903 Mumford Road Halifax, on Tuesday October 20 1:00pm reception to follow in church hall.