Sara Ann Sampeer (hereinafter referred to as “Mom”), of Oakland Township, Michigan passed away on Friday March 8, 2024 after a courageous and hard fought battle with cancer. Mom was very pragmatic when it came to her passing – she was ready for it, found peace with it, and put trust in God. On her terms, she embarked on the heavenly journey in comfort and surrounded by loved ones.
Mom was born in the small town of Hudson, Michigan on July 5, 1946 to Donia and Paul Julian. “Sally”, as they called her, was the eldest of her of her three sisters and thrived on being ‘in charge.’ As teenagers she interrogated her sisters at every chance… “What are you doing? Where are you going? How are you getting there? Who will be there? Will boys be there?” She was the quintessential big sister who loved her younger sisters dearly, and they loved her.
Mom attended Hudson High School where she was active in many clubs and organizations. She graduated in 1964 and went on to Eastern Michigan University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education. Here, she met her ‘lady squad’ - seven roommates that became life-long friends. Even when distance separated them, this circle of seven supported and loved each other unabashedly through 60 years of life’s journey.
Mom was introduced to the love of her life, Tom Sampeer (hereinafter referred to as “Dad”) through mutual friends. They were married on August 21, 1971, and settled in Farmington Hills, Michigan to raise Scott and Emily (that’s me). Mom and Dad built a supportive, secure, and happy home. This didn’t come easy - they worked hard at it (particularly in our teenage years as we caused a few pre-mature greys).
Mom was a highly regarded educator for Livonia Public Schools from 1968-2003. Once retired, she and Dad spent their golden years at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in the community of Rarity Bay in Vonore, Tennessee. Here, Mom took up new hobbies (you should see some of her pottery) and added a new community of dear friends. In 2016, they returned to Michigan for the next phase of life as grandparents.
Mom was an expert chocolate chip cookie baker, an avid Kleenex user, a founding member of the “Vulgar Boatmen”, a spirited adventurer, an enthusiastic traveler, and a member of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. She had a genuine soul and quick wit. She took time to get to know people. She asked questions. She cared about what was going on in people’s lives. She had an awe-inspiring way of making people feel special, because to her, they were special. Mom, you touched so many lives simply by being beautiful you.
Sara is survived by her loving children Scott (Mary) Sampeer of Marquette, Michigan, and Emily Sampeer Damron of Rochester Hills, Michigan; grandchildren Sawyer and Elin Damron; beloved sisters Jane Layton and Janice (Donald) Farmer; stepbrother Carroll (Elizabeth) Hart; siblings ‘in love’ Mary Ann Hart, Bill (Karen) Howe, and Sandy Sampeer; many nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.
Sara was preceded in death by her loving husband - her sweetheart - Tom Sampeer; parents Donia (Wayland) Hart and Paul Julian; sister Mary Julian Theurer; stepbrother Phillip Hart; and brother ‘in love’ Jon Layton.
Sara’s family welcomes all to attend a memorial service on Saturday April 6, 2024 at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, located at 100 Romeo Road in Rochester, Michigan. Visitation with the family will begin at 12 p.m. and the service will begin at 1 p.m. A luncheon at the church will immediately follow.
In early July, graveside services will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Hudson, Michigan.
Memorial contributions may be made in Sara’s honor to Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit (https://www.gildasclubdetroit.org/) or to St. Philips Episcopal Church.
