Obituary of Mary Lena Samson

Mary Lena Samson
September 5, 1935 – August 1, 2025 It is with great sadness and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Mary Lena Samson, age 89, of Little Anse, who passed away peacefully at Richmond Villa in St. Peter’s on August 1, 2025. Born on September 5, 1935, to Henry and Eva Samson(Samson), Lena was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Lena is survived and will be lovingly remembered by her children: Janice Joyce, Calvin (Alvina) Samson, Lorena (Doug) Landry, Clayton (Trudy) Samson, and Michael (Mandy) Samson, as well as her son-in-law Paul Joyce. She will be sorely missed by her grandchildren: Billy, Terrance, Danielle, Marielle, Mireille, Melissa, Joé, and Jean Marc; and by her great-grandchildren: Olivia, Isabelle, Jake, Cooper, Oliver, Lena, Emily, Malik, Jabari, Zaïre, Zuri, Levi, Reed, and Ronan. She is also fondly remembered by her sister Loretta Shea, brother Arthur (Viola) Samson, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Lena was predeceased by her loving husband Clifford Samson, her infant children Marie Jeanne and Cyprien, her parents Henry and Eva, and stepmother Florence. She was also predeceased by her brothers Francis (Clara), Wilfred (Ina), Antoine (Leona); sisters Alvina (Vander) and Lorraine (Donald) Dill; and many in-laws: Billie Shea, Clarence (Arthemise), Alice (Wilfred) Landry, Joseph (Lucy), Vander (Alvina), Laurence (Madona), André (Priscille), Stanley (Idella), Melvin (Theodora), Baptiste, Andrew and her special friend Alphonso Martell. Mom loved her family immensely. Her eyes lit up every time someone stopped by for a visit. She always greeted others with a smile and a warm welcome. The outpouring of kind words and shared memories from the community speaks volumes about the love and respect she inspired. Our mom lived her life rooted in deep faith. She attended mass regularly and prayed her Rosary every single day, never missing the opportunity to lift up her heart in devotion and gratitude. Her Rosary was more than a ritual—it was her way of staying connected to God, finding peace, and praying for those she loved. Her unwavering faith was a source of strength for our family and a quiet reminder of the power of prayer and trust in God’s plan. She was a proud Acadian, deeply committed to preserving and celebrating her culture. She was a long-time supporter of Radio Richmond, where she served as treasurer for many years. She also contributed to her community as a reporter for The Courier and was an active member of Les Femmes en Marche. She was also passionate about genealogy. She spent countless hours researching family histories and local heritage, preserving connections between generations and helping others trace their roots. Mom was a very creative person who did all kinds of different crafts. She could knit, sew, crochet, rug hooking, macrame etc.. and that talent was passed on to her family who are also very creative. She was a 4-H leader for many years and passed on her knowledge and love of crafting to many of the young people in our community of Little Anse. She was a true multi tasker. She was often seen reading her Harlequin romance novels, watching her hallmark movies, listening to Radio Richmond and having lunch, all at the same time. Though small in stature, mom had a big personality and a very distinct laugh. Some might say she had an infectious giggle that could bring a smile on anyone who was nearby. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, including her cigarettes, which she would often savor with a warm conversation. Lena had a way of making anyone feel comfortable, and her presence was never without warmth and kindness. She also found joy in the small, quiet things—reading one of her many books, feeding the birds outside her window and tending to her garden brought her daily peace and pleasure. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to The Richmond Villa for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Mom over the past 18 months. She truly considered the Villa her home, and we were always at ease knowing she was so well cared for and loved by so many of the staff. Her faith, kindness, humour, and love will remain forever in our hearts. Visitation will be held at C.H. Boudreau Funeral Home in Arichat on Friday, August 15th from 7-9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 16th at 11am in Petit de Grat at St. Joseph’s Parish Church with Father Duaine Devereaux officiating. Burial will take place following the mass at the Star of the Sea Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to The Richmond Villa Recreation Department or Radio Richmond. Funeral arrangements are in trust to the C.H. Boudreau Funeral Home in Arichat.