The family of Susan Esther Lightman [Sampson] are saddened to announce her unexpected passing on June 12, 2023. Sue was born in Boston, MA. on September 27, 1958, the daughter of the late Maxine Lightman (Rice) and the late C Leonard Lightman. A long time Preston resident, she was the loving and loyal wife of Paul C Sampson who she married on March 17, 1978. Along with Paul, she is survived by her daughter, Dr Rachael M Sampson of Newton PA and her son, Jeremy L Sampson of Brooklyn NY.
As a young woman, Susan and her family lived in many parts of the country as her dad, an executive for the Zayre Corporation, set up distribution centers throughout the US. She met her future husband at an Allman Brothers concert at the old Boston Garden in 1974 and they survived ‘the Blizzard of 78’ while living in Hull MA. She was a graduate of Duxbury MA high school and Three Rivers Community College, Norwich CT where she graduated with honors.
A member of the National Association of Realtors and the Southeastern CT Board, Sue was a Realtor for Coldwell Banker for many years, listing and selling throughout Connecticut as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES). Her presentations at many local Community Senior Centers and her luncheons were very popular. She worked as a substitute teacher in Lisbon and volunteered in the Preston school system where she was known for baking latkes and playing dreidel during Hanukkah. She volunteered with Navy Relief at NSB Groton, was a scout leader in Preston and Ledyard, and worked with Seniors Helping Seniors of Mystic as an elder care provider.
She was a dog rescuer. Over the years she took in many from the Preston and local pounds. She would tell her husband that she was babysitting the new dog but it was in a forever home. She loved to cook and entertain, hosting reunions, sleepovers, and her well attended Hanukah parties and Passover celebrations. She loved the ocean and was a member of the Westerly RI beach club.
In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by her sisters, Rebecca Lightman [Lou Rodrigues] of Sacramento CA, Jackie Stevens of Gilroy CA, her brothers in law, Bill and Gerry Sampson of Nashua and Hillsdale NH respectively, her sisters in law, Mary Owen of Formby UK, and Helen Schreiner of Panama City Beach FL, her aunt, Evelyn Davis of Cranston RI, along with several cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her mother, Maxine, her father Leonard, grandparents Simon and Ann Lightman, her brother Mark, and her uncle, Frank Davis.
A graveside service will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Ave.
Bourne, MA 02532 on Monday, August 7th at 12:45 PM. More information can be found on the Massachusetts National Cemetery website: https://www.cem.va.gov/dailyburialschedule/
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.churchandallen.com for the Lightman family.
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