Obituary of Elaine Claire Samson

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beautiful mom, Elaine Claire Samson, 81, of Louisdale, NS, on January 8, 2025. A beacon of love and strength, Mom was a remarkable woman whose love, kindness and unwavering support shaped our lives in countless ways. Our mother was a true educator at heart, embodying the wisdom and compassion of the Greatest Teacher. She believed, as stated in Proverbs 22:6, “train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” She dedicated her life to guiding, nurturing and instilling values in all the children who crossed her path, leaving a lasting impact that will resonate for generations to come. Mom was born in Sydney on July 14, 1943, the fourth child of seven for Patrick and Kathleen Dwyer. Her dad, a Bricklayer Foreman at the Sydney Steel Plant, worked himself to the bone to provide for his family. Her family didn’t have a lot, but her mom ensured they didn’t do without. Mom learned from her parents that a strong work ethic and powerful faith would guide you to a successful life. And it certainly did! While attending university, she met the love of her life, David Samson. Theirs was a love story for the ages! Our mother and father wed in Sydney on July 25, 1964. They settled in Louisdale to raise their family and start their careers. Mom began her teaching career at Elmwood Elementary in Whitney Pier in 1963. After their marriage, she continued teaching at Isle Madame Elementary in 1964. Mom transferred to Centennial Elementary in Port Hawkesbury in the early 70’s where she met so many soulmate teacher friends. During this time of her life, she continuously upgraded her courses with travel to Sydney and Antigonish. A few years later, her final move was to Louisdale School, from where she retired in 1995. Retiring at such a young age from her teaching career was not easy for Mom. Always the consummate educator, she opened “One-On-One Learning Centre” in her home for 12 years. During this time, she had the opportunity to continue to guide children to improve their academic performance and practical life skills. Some of these children were the children of her previous students, which filled her with joy from within. Mom always said that teaching children was the most rewarding experience of her life. Mom and Dad camped for many years and passed along their passion to all of their children. The last number of years, they forged wonderful friendships with their camping gang at Whidden’s in Antigonish. When our mother was happy, our father was happy. They loved each other dearly and drew their strength from each other, in both good times and bad. They have set the bar high for their children and grandchildren in what true love and respect in a relationship should look like. We learned from the best what love and faith can do. Mom was predeceased by her devoted husband of 56 years and love of her life, David Samson, 2021; loving parents, Patrick and Kathleen Dwyer, Sydney, formerly St. John’s, NL; beloved brother Gerald Dwyer, 2017; beautiful son in law, Cecil Landry (Paula), 2018; cherished brother Allan Dwyer, 2021. Mom is survived by her 4 children, whom she so dearly loved, Paula Landry, Louisdale; Danielle Hart (Kevin), Louisdale; Nadine Carmichael (Ian), Halifax; Jason (Jennifer Di Persio), Upper Tantallon; her grandchildren, each of whom she was so proud, Meaghan (Jarrett), Emily (Colton), Mary, Jacey, Brett, Sophie and Carter; her sweetheart greatgrandchildren, Everett and Cecil; her wonderful and kind brothers, Ronnie (Margaret Ann) Dwyer, Truro; Brian (AnneMarie) Dwyer, Sydney; compassionate sister Valerie (Howard) Oehmen, Porter’s Lake; cherished sister friend Carol (Andrew) Samson, Louisdale, who was her closest confidante and a true extension of her soul; sisters in law Doris Dwyer (Calgary) and Ruth Dwyer (Winnipeg); nieces and nephews too numerous to mention, whose lives are forever better for having known and loved our Mom. Mom is also survived by her extended Samson Family, Andrew (Carol), who has always been there to care and love and look out for Mom, especially since our Dad passed away; ever present and ever helpful Ernie (Patsy) and Henry (Terry); Tommy (Husband to Dad’s sister, Beatrice, who passed away); Joanie (Wife to Dad’s brother Felix, who passed away). As her children, we recognize how blessed we are to belong to the Dwyer and Samson families. Their roots are deep with family, traditions, trust, faith and love. Our hope is that we are able to instill such roots in our children and their children. Family is everything. When Mom’s illness became more challenging, we were graced with a team of ladies who became Mom’s lifeline, attending to her care with dignity and respect. We called them a ‘Dream Team’, and they certainly lived up to that title! How fortunate were we to have care for Mom in her own home, where she felt the most comfortable. Words will never be enough to convey our gratitude. We extend special and heartfelt thanks to the team in the Palliative Care Unit at St. Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish as well as the Palliative Care Team at the Strait Richmond Hospital in Lower River. Mom’s care, during this most vulnerable time of her life, was exceptional. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of C. H. Boudreau Funeral Home, Arichat. Wake will take place at the Glen Samson Room, Louisdale, on Monday evening, January 13, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Funeral mass will take place on Tuesday, January 14, St. Louis Church, Louisdale, at 11:00 am, with Fr. Duncan MacIsaac presiding. Burial to follow in the St Louis Parish Cemetery. A reception will be held, following the burial, at St. Louis Parish Hall. Mom would be pleased that memorial donations be made to the Strait Richmond Palliative Care Society. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”