Samantha "Sami" J. Beard

Samantha spent her entire life in the Lansing, Michigan area, where she built a life centered on family, kindness, laughter, and caring for others.

Samantha was incredibly proud of her Italian roots, and one of the many ways she shared that love was through food. Her kitchen was often filled with the comforting smell of what she jokingly called “army loads” of spaghetti and meatballs, always made with love and meant to bring people together. She also enjoyed shopping, sharing laughs, and brightening the day of everyone around her with her wonderfully kiddish sense of humor.

She dedicated her professional life to helping others through her work at Michigan State University’s Olin Student Health Center in the Call Center. Whether speaking with students who needed help or simply offering a kind word, Samantha had a natural gift for making people feel cared for and supported.

Those who knew Samantha knew that kindness defined her. She had a heart that put others before herself, often willing to give whatever she had—even her last dollar—to someone who needed it more. She had a special ability to make people smile, to comfort those who were hurting, and to make everyone feel welcome and loved.

Above all else, Samantha cherished her family and many friends. Her greatest joy in life was her beloved grandson, Khyree, who brought endless happiness to her heart.

She is survived by her loving mother, Josephine Belsito; her sisters Luigina (Jeffrey) Tweddle, Toni (Bruce) Douglass, and Angie (Chris) Butterwick; her loving boyfriend, Brian Armour; her children, Jared and Emily Beard; and her greatest joy, her grandson Khyree along with many adored aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Sam Belsito; her beloved grandmother Virgalene Reeder; her cherished Nana and Papa, Anthony and Mary Villela; and her grandparents Joseph and Luigina Belsito.

Samantha’s warmth, generosity, and laughter touched countless lives. Though she is gone from our sight, the warmth of her love will remain in our hearts forever.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Tiffany Chapel, 3232 W Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48917. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 10:30 AM, with a one-hour visitation from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, at St. Gerard Catholic Church, 4437 W Willow Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917. Following Mass, Sami will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 2520 W Willow St., Lansing, MI 48917.

In honor of Samantha’s caring spirit and love for others, memorial donations may be made to Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), 200 Vesey St., 28th Floor, New York, NY 10281, https://www.breakthrought1d.org/.

A Tribute from Her Son:

Mom, you were the most selfless and loving person I have ever known. You taught me what it means to care for people, to make others smile, and to always lead with kindness. I will always remember your laugh, your humor, and the way you could make anyone feel at home. Thank you for every sacrifice you made and every ounce of love you gave. I will carry your love with me for the rest of my life, and I hope to make you proud every single day. I love you forever. — Jay

A Tribute from Her Daughter:

My sweet mommy, I have loved you all my life. Though after having Khy, my love for you grew in a way I cannot even explain. Understanding the sacrifices you made and finally seeing how you viewed Jared and I meant everything to me. I will forever cherish the abundance of time we got to spend together while you were with us.

You were always so selfless, caring, and beautiful. I dedicate my life to becoming even half the mother you were. You were the best Nana and mom anyone could have asked for. I will miss you every single day. — Chicky Poo