Sam was a special gift to the world. She was born at home on August 2, 1993, too impatient to wait for her parents to make it the hospital. She moved through life full speed ahead from the beginning. Sam loved large and gave with her whole heart. She often shouldered the burdens of others, rarely asking anything in return. She was a problem solver, always looking for ways to make the troubles of her loved ones seem lighter, offering unceasing support and encouragement. Sam loved her family and friends fiercely, as the Leo she was, loving regardless of race, creed, gender, or abilities.
Sam worked to support individuals with developmental disabilities and had a great passion in advocating for the rights, health, and safety of all those whom she served. She began volunteering in classrooms for students with special needs while a student at Valley Forge Senior High in Parma and with the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Her first job was as a camp counselor assistant with the County’s summer program. She attended Slippery Rock University in PA, earning a BS in Community Programming for Americans with Disabilities. During her college years, she worked summers as a counselor at Camp Paradise, run by SHC/The Arc of Medina County. An internship at The Arc of Crawford County in Meadville, PA led to her first job upon graduation as a Home and Community Habilitation Program Specialist. Sam moved back to Ohio to take the position of Residential/Quality Assurance Manager with New Avenues to Independence on Cleveland’s eastside. During the past two years she was employed by Empowering People Inc. where she served as Administrator of two large intermediate care facilities and two small waiver group homes located in Lake and Ashtabula counties. Sam worked tirelessly in her role there while dealing with the pandemic and severe staffing shortages; challenging to say the least. It was not uncommon for her to work 2nd or 3rd shifts as a direct support staff while juggling her administrator duties. Even though this was an exhausting schedule, working directly with ‘her guys’ always reminded Sam of why she entered the field in the first place and reinforced her passion to serve.
Sam treasured her family, each and every one of them. She looked forward to attending the Paczki Ball with the Pavones/Kilcoynes, enjoyed the traditional Easter morning brunch with the Bairds, Fourth of July summer picnics with the Kimmins, Boo at the Zoo with her younger cousins, Thanksgiving with the Biaglows, pierogi making day and the Christmas Eve Wigilia feast with the myriad Schultz/Rapacz relatives, intimate Christmas mornings with her immediate family, and every birthday and other celebrations in between.
Sam enjoyed a variety of music and attending concerts of her favorite artists with her friends. She grooved to the music from the time she was a flower girl in her uncle’s wedding; couldn’t get her off the dance floor. She was a fan of Broadway musicals and got a kick out of attending drag show brunches. Sam’s favorite holiday was Halloween; she loved a good haunted house adventure, going to orchards and pumpkin patches, through corn mazes, a fall campfire, and autumn in the air. Sam was a huge fan of the Harry Potter universe. She owned every book and re-read them non-stop and every movie for which she could quote lines verbatim. She was a Gryffindor who longed to be a Hufflepuff, but the Sorting Hat knew she was an adventurer at heart. She loved to travel to sunny places and ‘noodle around’ in the water. She enjoyed quick getaways to reconnect with college roommates and her out of town cousins with whom she shared a very special bond. One of her greatest adventures was participating in a mission trip to the Dominican Republic during her college years. That trip was so personally fulfilling that she often remarked that she’d sign up for missionary work full-time if she didn’t have college debt to pay off.
Samantha had a true zest for life and an infectious laugh that would shake the rafters. It was so contagious; one could not help but join in. She would be happy to know that her laughter brought others joy. Although her passing was sudden and unexpected, she would want her loved ones to be happy for her; she is now with her two favorite guys—her grandfathers who passed before her. Sam would want each and every one of her family members and friends to take the best possible care of themselves and to thrive. Know that she is showering you with her brilliant light and spiritual energy. Rest in peace Samantha Grace, Child of God.
A Memorial Mass to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Blessed Trinity Church, 14040 Puritas Avenue in Cleveland. Family will greet friends at 10:00 AM with a 12 noon Mass to follow. In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations to Lifebanc.
Arrangements entrusted to The Zabor Funeral Home, Parma.
Messages of Condolence
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sorry for the world’s loss. The world will not be the same without you and your big heart. Love your cousin Amber.
Margie and famliy you will be in my thoughts and prayers . Samantha has left this world in body but her spirit lives on in the stories you llthe stories you share about her she will forever be in your hearts and memories my deepest love to the famliy .
Deepest condolences to Pavone and Schultz families. Samantha was so loved and I was often privy to her latest adventures and deep connection with her mom Margie. She was a child of the Universe described by Kalil Gibran. While her departure from this earth was sudden and unexpected she surely lived her life to the full and with great b love and compassion. May the Holy Spirit grant peace and comfort to her family and friends and memories of Sam be ever joyful. Peace and love Hannah.
So beautifully written. We are blessed to have met & had Sam in our lives. Our prayers have been and will continue to be with you all. xo
“Shawna’s mom & dad”
My deepest sorrow & condolences for the loss of this beautiful young lady. May God be with all of you during this time of grieve. My prayers for all of you
Evelyn Lisowski
I am in shock of this young ladies passing. My prayers and thoughts go to this wonderful family. May she rest in peace. Gone too soon. Anything you need, please let me know.
Dear Margie and Family of Sam, please accept my heartfelt sympathy for this terrible loss. I will truly offer prayers for all of you and especially for Sam that she is safe and warm in God’s hands. Love, Fran
So sorry for the loss a beautiful young lady with such a caring soul. Sam may you fly high as you will be missed by many. RIP.
Our condolences to the Pavone and Schultz family, cousins and friends. Beautifully written about Sam. What inspired her to be a beautiful soul who offered her dedication and care to individuals that needed her. Taken too soon and loved by many. Another angel in heaven she will remain and will be sorely missed.❤️hugs and prayers from us.
Regards,
McKrell family
Margie and Nicole,
May God be with you as you mourn the loss of a beautiful young woman. I’m sure you were as proud as of Samantha as Brad is. Please know you are in my prayers at this difficult time.
Linda (Brad’s Schatz)
Margie, I am so very loss for the loss of your precious daughter, Sam. May your strong relationship with our Lord, comfort and strengthen you during this very difficult time.
Dear Margie (Dolly)
I am continuing to pray for you and Nicole. I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet Sam. She worked the summer program at WPD. She was a carbon copy of you … Sam reminded me of you sometime… she was a kind person…
I can’t imagine your loss but, I know your Jesus is watching over you in this time …
I wish you peace and comfort with the passing of Sam …
Love you
MARJEAN (Holly)
Deepest Sympathy
Margie and Nicole and family…My deepest condolences to you for your loss. I will always cherish the memories of your visit to San Diego, sight seeing and hearing Sam exclaim, “I am SO excitement”, when she was about 8 years old or so. Though her time here was short her impact was HUGE. I am sure “Grandma Squirrely” and she will have much more excitement now that they are together again, too.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of sweet Sam. I worked at New Avenues with her and could always count on her to get me out of any jam. After Sam left New Avenues I often called her and she was still getting me out of jams. Sam was one of sweetest people I’ve ever met she had a heart of gold. I’m going to miss our talks often saying ” cause you know we’re Leo’s” and the big laughs that came after and her bragging on her mom and how cute she thought she was. I’m having a hard time understanding why she left so soon but I know she is a child of God and he doesn’t make any mistakes. Gone too soon Sam
I remember Samantha from St. Bridget’s. She was always such a sweet and cheerful little one. I watched over the years as her bubbly personality grew along with the young lady she had become. May your memories keep her spirit alive to allow this world to become the better place she so wanted it to be. My deepest and heartfelt sympathy on the loss of such a bright light and shining star.
Amy Parker (Arnold)
Hayley Arnold’s mom
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Schultz and Pavone families. Our prayers and thoughts go to you during this unexpected time.
Felix and Teresa Perea
while its been many years since i saw Samantha, i feel and mourn our family’s young loss. Our hearts go out to you all from the V’s in Florida, the heartbreak is horrific, and we pray for her and you all.
RIP Samantha
XXOO
Margie, you and Nicole are in my thoughts and prayers. Samantha was a bright light needed in this world, even for a short time. She touched so many lives and made them better. Hugs my friend ♥
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I worked with Sam at Stewart Lodge and she will be missed. I was always able to talk to Sam and express myself openly without judgement. This still has me in disbelief.
Constant prayers for you and your family. May you be comforted by all the loving prayers and condolences. Big hugs my friend.
I first met Sam as being the “newbie” counselor at Camp Paradise. She was always able to connect with everyone and was fun to be around. My deepest condolences to her family! The world will not be as bright without her.
Danica
What a beautiful description of who Sam was! A spirit like hers will live forever in the hearts and memories of all who knew her.
Margie:
So very sorry for the loss of your very precious, special daughter. Know that her very short life was a blessing to all she helped and knew. Blessings to your and your family.
Sunnie Poplar
Margie and family,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of Samantha a beautiful soul. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God grant her peace.
God bless each of you as you remember all the great times you had with your beautiful daughter Samantha. May she now be a protector to you all!
I was shocked to hear about Samantha! There are no words for such an unimaginable loss. My sincerest condolences to the Pavone and Schultz families. You will be in my prayers!