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Susan Samson Obituary
Susan passed away on June 3, 2020 at the age of 81, after a difficult battle with pancreatic cancer. She leaves behind her husband, Earl, of 48 years, as well as her 4 stepchildren, Trip (Allyson), Ed (Diana), Annie and Rob (Heidi); 9 grandchildren (to whom she was known as Nonie); and her brother Palmer Madden (Susan Paulus) She was predeceased by her sister Lucie Marcotulli and leaves behind her nieces Marialidia and Leontina; and nephew Amanto.
The daughter of Helen Raymond and Milton Eppley, Susan was born on January 28, 1939. She was educated at the Milwaukee Downer School, The Masters School (Dobbs), Briarcliff College and the London School of Dramatic Arts.
Susan had a career in the theater including numerous parts in off-Broadway plays and television, as well as co-producing Broadway productions. After their many years in New York City, Susan and Earl left the hubbub of urban life and made Little Compton their home. They purchased Sakonnet Vineyards and began their next adventure. For the next 25 years they worked together to further the success of growing grapes in New England and making fine wine. As the marketing director, Susan's reputation grew in the wine business as a savvy sales woman.
With boundless energy and hard work, Susan maintained deep and loyal friendships from every stage of her life. She will be sorely missed by so many. She loved playing tennis during the summer months and also found time for reading, pilates, walking, bridge and numerous volunteer activities in the community throughout the year.
Susan's civic activities included serving on the Vestry at St. Andrews by the Sea Episcopal Church, including a term as Senior Warden. She also served on several boards including: The Masters School, Episcopal Divinity School, Trinity Repertory Theatre, Playwrights Horizons and Women's Chefs & Restaurateurs. Susan was a member at the Sakonnet Golf Club and the Sakonnet Point Club.
A celebration of her life will be planned for a future date.
Gifts in Susan's memory would be gratefully accepted at Stay at Home in Little Compton, Inc., PO Box 353, Little Compton, RI 02837.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Susan Samson
Mandy Boggs
October 25, 2020
Susan was a wonderful, insightful, funny and warm person. I almost wrote "inciteful" because she was the start of so many great times. Susan and my sister Robin were close friends, and that's how I met Susan. Due to my sister's lack of housekeeping ability, Susan once asked her as she was on the way to the bathroom, "Well, are you going to take a shower in the tub, or a bath on the floor?" I laughed out loud; but as the younger sister, I was not much appreciated. When Susan married the love of her life, Earl, rather late in her life, she quipped, "Well, I waited, and I got him."
Earl, Trip, I shall miss her so much. Just knowing that she was somewhere on earth made this planet a better place.
With much love,
Mandy Boggs
traci dutton
June 18, 2020
Earl - I am so sad to hear this. You and Susan will always be a wonderful, fun and important part of my career and my life. Sending you the promise to keep Susan alive with stories and memories of her leadership in the wine world. Blessings and peace - Traci Dutton
Clifford Cone
June 17, 2020
GREETINGS Earl you know we will all miss Susan as you.
Martha Taradash
June 13, 2020
Susan was a wonder , full of energy with a delightful personality ! She will be sorely missed .
Joan McDonough-Schlecht
June 12, 2020
Annie and family, so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you. Hugs,
Peter Guay
June 12, 2020
So sorry Earl and family. Will always remember you all as an important influence on myself and family.
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