Obituary of Mary Esther Sampson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our aunt, Mary Esther (Chiasson) Sampson, 93, of Port Hawkesbury (formerly Toronto/Downsview and Halifax) which occurred at the Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home on Sunday, February 24, 2013. Affectionately known as 'Aunt Mary', she is now joined with her husband, Desire (Jerry) Joseph Sampson, who predeceased her on September 12, 2008. Aunt Mary devoted her married life to serving her beloved Jerry throughout their 60 years of marriage. Born in Margaree Forks on November 26, 1919, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Marie Ellen (LeBlanc) Chiasson. Aunt Mary was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She left Margaree Forks at a young age to pursue a secretarial career in Halifax. There she met her future husband Jerry and they later moved to Toronto where they remained for 50 years. Throughout their marriage, they enjoyed travelling, especially their winters in Florida and summers in Cape Breton. They moved to Halifax in 2001 and remained there until Uncle Jerry's death. Due to her declining health, Aunt Mary took up residence in Louisdale to be near family and friends. Sincere gratitude to niece Joan Bona and husband Lucien for their tireless dedication and care given to Aunt Mary especially during these last four and a half years. Aunt Mary cherished the memories of times spent with life-long friends, Narcisse and Eileen Landry of Louisdale and Leo and Eleanor Boudreau of Toronto. Aunt Mary enjoyed walking, travelling, sewing, cooking and entertained many dinner guests. There was no place that she would rather be than in her kitchen. Her excellent culinary skills and superb etiquette did not go unnoticed. In her later years, she was most gracious and thankful for all the interventions made on her behalf due to dementia. Every good deed was always returned with 'thank you dear'. Left to mourn are nieces; Helen (Jim) Hilsendeger, Dartmouth; Martha (Gerald) Buckles, Margaree Forks; Georgina Hawes, Spry Harbour; nephew, Isidore (Patsy) Chiasson, Dartmouth, niece-in-law Jean Chiasson Cameron (Martin), Margaree Forks, nephews-in-law Fred Phillips, Owen Sound, and Alex MacDougall, Judique, brother-in-law Frank Sampson, Nepean, Ontario; sisters-in-law Doris Sampson, South Bar and Irene Sampson, Louisdale, numerous nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and Godchildren. Besides her husband, Aunt Mary was predeceased by her brother Albert and his wife Mary Louise, nieces Anna Phillips, Sylvia MacDougall, Lucy Mae Beaton; nephews Russel and Thomas Chiasson, and nephews-in-law David Hawes and Gerard Beaton. The family is most thankful to her 'girls' who were such loving and devoted caregivers: Shirley, Catherine, Jeanette, Stella, Margie and Evelyn. She enjoyed their friendship. Through their loyalty and commitment, she was able to live independently. The family is also thankful to all staff at the Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home for their care and support of their 'Aunt Mary' during the past two years. Special gratitude to all her family and friends, who supported and assisted Aunt Mary and Uncle Jerry, especially in their senior years. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 28, 2013 at the Glenn Sampson Room, Louisdale. Mass of Christian Farewell will take place in St. Louis Church, Louisdale on Friday, March 1, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation will follow. Internment to take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the C.H. Boudreau Funeral Home in Arichat. To send words of comfort to the family or to light a candle in memory of Aunt Mary, please visit www.chboudreau.com.