Obituary of Mary Leona Samson

Mary Leona Samson, March 27, 1934 – April 26, 2024 It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our dear mother, Mary Leona Samson of Arichat (formerly of Samson’s Cove) passed away peacefully on April 26, 2024, at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish, surrounded by family. Born in Petit De Grat, she was the daughter of the late Simon H. and Aline (Martell) Landry. Leona worked briefly at Booth’s Fisheries before she met the love of her life, Anthony Samson of Samson’s Cove whom she married on June 28, 1954 and they were blessed with 6 children. She went back to work at the fish plant in 1968 and worked there until 1992. For many years, she could be seen volunteering at the Social Action Centre in Little Anse; either manning the bar or canteen with “Le Gros Antoine”. Our Mom was an avid quilt maker and created patchwork quilts for each of her children and each of her grandchildren. She also made blankets for members of her family and others that she sold at markets. Her pride and joy were the baby quilts that she made. They were beautiful and much sought after. And she was a perfectionist in this craft. We have seen her undo stitching that she didn’t feel were just perfect. In the past few years, when her mobility declined, she started knitting slippers. She liked to keep busy as much as possible. Mom also loved playing cards and could often be seen at local card plays with her cousin Yvonne Pierce. Whenever the family gathered, you may be sure that the evening was filled with a fun game of Ups and Wipes. She loved Bingo even though she didn’t often win. If she happened to have a lucky night, she was sure to say that it was only money that they owed her. She enjoyed many pilgrimages to Ste. Anne de Beaupré with different members of the family. At first, they travelled by train; but later they would travel by bus where she made lots of friends who would also make the annual trip. Leona leaves to mourn her passing: daughters Doreen (Paul) Boudreau, Arichat; Bernice (John) Connor, Eastern Passage; Charlene (Byron) Sharpe, Riverview, NB; Carrie-Anne (Jamie) LeBlanc, Upper Tantallon; and son Samuel (Sandra) Samson, Halifax; as well as grandchildren Matthew (Sarah), Sheena, Patrick, Cassandra (Mitchel), Samantha (Tyler), Robert (Breanna), Laura, Charlotte and Josh and great-grandchildren Macy, Sadie, Zachary, Ellyssa, Brayden, Dustin, Will and Addison; sister Amelia Martell, brothers-in-law Arthur and Rudolph, sisters-in-law Loretta, Lena, Viola, Ina and Bettie; and numerous nieces and nephews. Other than her parents, she was predeceased by husband, Anthony and son Gregory; sisters Annette and Virginia and brother Rennie; brothers-in-law Joseph, Francis, Wilfred, Donald, Billy, Vander, and Clifford; sisters-in-law Alvina, Clara, and Lorraine; mother-in-law Eva, step mother-in-law Florence, father-in-law Henry as well as several nieces and nephews. The family would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped to make Mom's last years as loving and comfortable as possible. We would like to start with our sister Doreen, and her husband, Paul, who welcomed Mom into their home with open arms, ensuring that she was always surrounded by her loving family. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the VON workers who cared so well for Mom during the past five years and her three special respite ladies who could always be called upon to provide companionship whenever other commitments necessitated Doreen and Paul's absence. She always looked forward to your visits. Special thanks to the staff of St. Martha’s Hospital, especially the Palliative Care Unit, whose professionalism and compassion will always be remembered. You went out of your way to make her stay as painless and comfortable as possible and treated the family with respect and compassion. Visitation will be held at CH Boudreau Funeral Home on Thursday, May 9th from 2-4 and 7-9. Celebration of life will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Church, Petit De Grat, on Friday, May 10th at 11:00 a.m. with Reverand John DeCoste officiating. Burial to follow in Star of the Sea Cemetery in Petit De Grat. A reception will be held at Little Anse-Samson’s Cove Social Action Centre following the burial. In lieu of flowers, donations in Leona’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. “The World changes from year to year, our lives from day to day, but the memory of you shall never pass away.” (Author Unknown)