As time passes , I feel as if I gain more privy to know Samantha, though she & I have not met in person but rather through her mom, MJ.  The absence of Samantha is difficult for all but her memories do live on each time she is spoken of in love. 🩷

Thoughts & prayers are with you MJ & with David & your loved ones . I am joining you in celebrating Samantha today .  She was a beautiful young woman & I know she is dancing with God’s angels .  Love Sally

My best friend and so much more. Today’s one of them days I woke up thinking about you and wanted to share a gem that I had. 
Love you kid. 

Though I had not met dear Samantha in person, I do feel a connection with her even in her physical absence. I have had the utmost privilege of sharing this past year with her MOM, Marjorie & hearing so many precious attributes of her daughter which has given me the honor & opportunity to feel as if I had actually spent time with her.   I have also seen pictures of Samantha, Marjorie & her dad, David as a family unit.  Samantha was clearly a precious gem to all who knew her & for who she was & will remain a gift to all. She truly was a BLESSING.  ❣️


Didn’t realize how hard I fell for her…

Sweet Sam I hope you had a wonderful Heavenly Birthday yesterday ❤️

I was so sorry to hear that Sam has passed. 

I knew Sam ten years ago - I remember her as a charming high school friend, someone who was friendly, bubbly, and carefree in a way that shone beyond her years. We met in line at a concert - her friends and my friends lived in different cities, went to different schools, but that didn't stop her from befriending us with a kind, open heart. 

To those closest to Sam's heart, who know the corners of her soul and are deeply touched by who she was, I want to send my deepest condolences. Sam was extraordinary. Rest in peace Sam Festa -Owen

My deepest sympathies on the death of your daughter, Samantha.  My baby boy Kevin, at 3 1/2 years old died in 1998.  My heart breaks for you and I know the ups and downs you are feeling and will be feeling. There are no words to comfort us in the loss of a child.  I am also The Compassionate Friends Fredericksburg Chapter Leader which is a self-help support group for all bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents who have lost a child. When you are ready, please email me and I will get you some resources. I am here for you if you need me. Praying for you all.

Rest in peace Sam. I loved playing soccer with you and seeing your passion for the sport helped me with my game a lot. You added so much joy and light to the team and I will not forget your beautiful smile

I will forever treasure the memories of Sams friendship from the time we were best friends in Middle School. Thank you for playing mario with me, dressing up as nerds for Halloween, rocking out to Blood on the Dance Floor, allowing me to get some creative inspiration when your mom showed me how she made jewelry holders out of window screens, and always being the most kind friend. I always laugh at the memory of coming over to your house and you telling me I had “Christian” hair and you cut it in your bathroom to give me some style. Life drifted us apart, but I will always treasure the memory of you. You were kind, compassionate, funny and unapologetically yourself. I hope the afterlife is kind to you.🫶🏻

Sam,

I only briefly and recently had the pleasure of knowing you. You were a bright and beautiful soul in this dark world. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for being so kind and loving. You helped me out of a dark place and I will love you forever for that. 

Thank you Sam. Thank you for the love, kindness, and your wonderful hugs. 



Sam's family,

I thank you for raising such an amazing angel. Her memory will never be lost with me. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

There is a time in my life when Samantha was my best friend. It was the 5th grade. We would play outside often, and she showed me the creek by her house. 

I am moved and grateful, to say the very least, to have the honor of carrying her memory with me for as long as I am alive. I wish for the depth of my condolences to be known by Sam’s family; as well as for my gratitude to be known, for welcoming a young child from the past into their home .

Sending loving thoughts  of peace & comfort to you dear MJ & to Ann , Scott & David .  May God hold each of you  with His Loving Arms of compassion & strength . May you find eternal peace knowing her spirit will live on forever . 
Love , 
Sally

I'm so sorry for your loss. Sam was a beautiful person inside and out. I still can't grasp the idea that she is gone. 😔  I didn't know her for very long but met her through a mutual friend. Sam had a smile that would brighten any room. Her and I would talk like 2 little school girls every time we saw each other because she was so easy to talk too and had alot in common. She loved my 90s gothic look and attire I always wear so  whenever i wear my plaid pants i will think of her 😊 I wish I could have gotten to hang out with her more..  She had such a big heart ❤️ and was genuinely an amazing human.

To Sam's family and friends, I am terribly sorry for your loss and I've been praying for you all. I only worked a couple of times with Sam at Dogtopia but her smile always brightened my day. I was very sad to hear of her passing. She will be missed by so many people , as she touched so many hearts that now are broken by this loss. My heart goes out to your family and to all Sams friends who's lives were dramatically effected by such a devastating loss. Im happy i was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to meet her and only wish I would have had more time to get to know such a beautiful soul. I can only imagine the pain you are all suffering through and I'll continue to pray for you all.

What a shock it has been for everyone,  who lived in Sam’s world.  She was loved by so many. My heart goes out to Sam’s family . Our world will never be the same  without Sam. Sending love and hugs to everyone affected by such a devastating loss . I will miss  Sam’s  hugs, our conversations, and much more.

My condolences to the family, I hadn’t known Sam long, but I’m sure glad, God allowed me to meet such a beautiful, shining bright star, such a pleasure. You will be truly missed. Love ❤️ Lisa B. You will forever be in my heart.

I’m so sorry for your loss.  My condolences to the family. Nalita Viney and Family

Sam was a beautiful person inside and out.  She lit up the room everywhere she went.  I had so much  hope for her on her recovery journey.    I could really relate to her story.   I remember picking up my 3 year chip at The Over The Hump Meeting  and walking over and handing it to her to keep.    We both hugged and it was such a meaningful moment for me in my life and I hope for her as well.  I will never forget that moment.  Rest in peace Sam 💝💔🙏🏻

I am thankful to have known Sam & her bright spirit! She always made everyone around her smile! 
I sympathize your loss & hope you all can find ease in knowing how bright Sam made everyone’s life around her. 

-Lindsey 
—coworker from Dogtopia

When I was a kid, I was always admired Sam. Her confidence, her intelligence, her beauty. Though she was only 6 months older than me, she always seemed much wiser to me; like a knowing older sister. I have many fond memories of us as kids. I remember us going to a zoo together (around age 4), visiting Kings Dominion together, where we played in the water park together, and exploring my Gmom's creek. I remember making pottery together on my 9th birthday, and playing on the playground together afterwards. 
This past week I have reflected on all the great times I had with Sam, and how she brought so much joy to everyone around her. 
These are memories I will always cherish. I miss you Sam.

Samantha was a bright, beloved, beautiful soul. Right from the start, she brought love and levity into our lives, especially to her grandad, who adored her like no other.  They are together now, I’m sure, and in that comforting knowledge, may we find the resolve to celebrate her life, carrying her spark in our hearts forever.

This photo is from one of the many Christmas cards I saved from the Stacy Family, I am so proud to be related to them, as they are my cousins.  A truly beautiful Family whom I Love so very much.

Margie, Anne, and Scott,  It's still hard to breathe when I think of hearing this news last week.  My memories of Sam early on when she and Margie moved in with Scott was indeed a little whirlwind of joy! Such a bright little girl. 
We send our love and prayers for your comfort as you mourn the passing of this very special young lady. May Sam rest in peace.

Sam you’re beautiful smile and positive energy will be missed deeply. You’ll always reside a place in my heart and never will I forget you. Rest In Peace beautiful angel.

Margie, Anne and Scott, I cannot imagine what you must be going through, but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this challenging time. May the love and happiness Sam brought you during her life sustain you and bring you to the other side. I love you all very much.

Patricia

Sam the Ham, 

Beautiful beautiful Sam. I'm so unbelievably heartbroken for your family. You were such a light in this dark world. I know you will be here shining still. Looking after your mom and your uncle, whom you loved more than anything in the world. When I met you I was so intimidated by you and your beauty. I thought that you would be so stuck up looking like you did. I was 100 percent wrong. We got eachother through some rough times, and your sense of humor was so special to me. Anytime I hear Doja Cat or see a turtle, or mix match my socks, I will smile and think of you. I pray for peace and comfort for all of those who knew you. You made such a huge impact on everyone, I can't imagine this world without your shine! 
(Eyes bleeding) 

-Kat the Hat

I never met Sam, but boy did her uncle Scott beam with pride and support for her! I am so very sorry to hear of this loss for Scott and his mom and sister who he always spoke with passion and love for… my heart goes out . I wish I could be there in person for support for you Scott.. I will be attending a wedding for a dear friend and co worker! Please know I am feeling your sorrow .. sending love … Rest easy Sam!!

Sam, there are a lot of special people in this world but you ,my friend,you were truly one of a kind. There was NEVER a room that you walked into that didn’t brighten when you did. I’m so grateful for the time I had with you, especially in the last year or so. You made me a better person. Yes, You had your struggles but were  doing so well and I’m so proud of the way effort you made. I already miss you so much. But I know that you’re not hurting anymore, you’re free baby girl. You touched a lot of people in your 24 years with us. Those of us who had the chance to get to know and love you are blessed to have had that chance! I’m definitely one of those people. I could always call you. You always knew what to say to me to help me through any issue I was having big or small. You were always there for me and others at the drop of a hat & that just speaks volumes to the amazing, unselfish , gentle , kind person you really were. That big ol’ beautiful smile alone could make you forget about anything else going on! I would always tell you to just keep on smiling and you would do just that ! Your family should be very proud of who u were as a person! There just aren’t enough words Sam. You’ll forever be in my heart & a huge part of it left when you did. But,  even tho I don’t want to accept that this isn’t some nightmare I can’t wake up from ,god called you home and now you’re an angel in heaven like you were here on earth.thank you for being my friend and one of the best ones anyone could possibly ask for.I love you  “gawgeous” And you know how much I hate goodbyes anytime you had to leave so I won’t start now … so, I’ll see you later sweetheart. Rest in paradise ❤️🤟🏾🙏🏽💐♥️

Sam will always be a bright light, brightest light in the room! I love you both Scott and Marjorie. We will keep her light shinning always. 💜

Shirley B.
Not having had the honor or pleasure to have met Samantha in person, I still was privileged to know of some very special recent times she had shared with her parents through some beautiful pictures & kind & affectionate words that her mom had shared about some of their special & joyous moments together.   Samantha moved through her life with much grace & dignity. 
Her spirit remains among all who love her. 
 
  WITH MUCH LOVE

Marjorie, I am so very sorry for your loss. No words are enough unfortunately. So very sorry my friend.

I feel blessed to have experienced Sam’s beautiful  energy and colourful spirit through knowing her mom whom I love and adore.  

She is full of abundance-  abundance in love, in faith, in hope, in possibility, in compassion, in humility, in dignity and in grace… which she shares  so freely with her loved ones and with all in mother nature.  
   
In so being,  we are gifted with more souls who shine the light in the darkest of spots and who accept both the beauty and heartache on each of our golden paths.    

Just for today,  may love and more love grace our paths as we sense the beauty and peace of Sam in the places and spaces we are in.  

Lavern

Margie, Anne, Scott and extended family,
I am so heartfelt sorry to hear of Sam's passing.  Grief is so personal, at times consuming but, I pray God's grace and comfort to you all.
Always, Hazel

I was privileged to spend time with Sam this winter. She was so wonderfully quirky that I immediately fell in love with her beautiful spirit. Sam's light was so bright it is hard to imagine a world without her. May God’s grace comfort you all during this dark time. I love you all.

I always imagined that someday in the not too distant future Samantha would come up to New England to visit. I thought she would enjoy my deck which is covered in plants and flowers more reminiscent of Florida or Louisiana, the places we lived before we came up north. And so now because she will not be here physically, I forever dedicate this place to her spirit and memory. There are no words that can temper the pain of this loss. David, Marjorie, Scott, Ann, and Samantha, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

To the Stacy and Festa families- there just are no words that will make this easier.  My time with Samantha was when she was a bright blue eyed baby girl growing into a beautiful young girl when she lived in Florida.  We would go to  fairs and festivals and the beach- she always had the biggest smile and laugh.  The Stacy family has been a second family to me.  I wish I could be there in person to share in Sam’s celebration of Life- but I will be there in spirit and love. 
Wishing all who loved Sam so deeply- peace through this difficult time. 
Hannah Cline-Morton

Dear Stacy family
I was so sorry to hear about Sam, know that you all are in my prayers.
Your friend Van

Dearest Sam’s Family

My heart is broken with you. I’ve known Sam since she was born.  She was so unique and a bright light to others…

She is now a shining, bright star in the sky always watching over her Mom and Uncle and family.

With so much love and prayers….

I’m very sorry to hear about Sam. I never met her, but felt like I knew her from hearing many stories from her Uncle Scott. My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends who loved her.

OBITUARY

Samantha Festa

March 28, 1999 – September 16, 2023

Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service

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