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BORN
1958
DIED
2014
Samantha Spangler Obituary
09/18/1958 - 04/10/2014
Samantha Spangler, Assistant US Attorney, lost her battle with PSP on the evening of April 10, 2014. She was born on September 18, 1958 in Sacramento, Calif. to Phillip Roy Spangler and Janice Lee Brackmann. She was raised in Auburn, Calif. and graduated from Placer High School in 1976. Samantha attended Sierra College, CSUS, and McGeorge School of Law, where she received a Juris Doctorate with distinction. Samantha also received an award for outstanding contributions as an Editor for the Pacific Law Journal.
Ms. Spangler's career included working for Roseville Justice Court, Auburn Juvenile Court, as Law Clerk for the Honorable Judge Edward J. Garcia from 1989 - 1993, and as Assistant US Attorney from 1993 - 2013. In 1999 Ms. Spangler was honored before Congress with the Director's Award for Superior Performance, presented by Attorney General Janet Reno.
Samantha enjoyed music, theater, singing, piano, swimming, hiking, rafting, gardening, travel, art and yoga. Sam loved reading, exploring, learning, and had a thirst for life. She studied and received a certificate for deep tissue massage at Makoto Kai Healing Arts. She also loved animals and was a supportive member of PETA.
Ms. Spangler's family gives special thanks to the staff of Emeritus at Emerald Hills assisted living facility and Kaiser Permanente Hospice. Donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation or www.curePSP.org.
A Celebration of Life event will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. in the Sierra Room at the ARD Canyon View Community Center, 471 Maidu Dr., Auburn, Calif.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Samantha Spangler
JP Posey
May 7, 2023
Oh Samantha it seems like yesterday that I was notified that you had left the earth and were Heaven Bound. You had a special place in my heart back then and still do today. How I miss our conversations. The tears are fresh and the pain very deep. My sincere condolences and love regarding the loss of such a great person. I love you Samantha. JP Posey
Tammy A
July 29, 2014
Wow. I just heard about this and I'm so sad. My condolences to all her friends and family. Worked with her on a case and ended up becoming friends. Loved her wit and sense of humor, her integrity and her committment to her work. We had lots in common ... The world's a much blander place without her in it.
Laura Ferris
May 30, 2014
I had the pleasure of serving with Samantha in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Sacramento for almost ten years. She was a gracious, big-hearted person who was passionate about her work. I will miss her enthusiasm and talking to her about some of the things she enjoyed in life like her family, pets and the pursuit of yoga. My thoughts are with her family.
Nellie Madelyne Gonzalez Chenowith
May 25, 2014
Mark and Amy, so very saddened to hear about the loss of your beloved Sister. Many great memories from high school and work at the Placer Courts. Her cool , smarts, beauty and style were remarkable and unforgettable. Prayers for peace and comfort, do very sorry.
Mikel Anne Hicks
May 20, 2014
Mark, and Amy I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. May the Spangler family remember all the good times and let that help lessen your pain. My thoughts are with you at this time.
Kay/Larry Sharp
May 19, 2014
We offer our most sincere condolenses to the family of Samantha., though we never met, we heard many great things about your sister., may she rest in peace and enjoy the presence of her parents who surely are embracing her now, there in heaven.
Bonnie Hubbard Sudman
May 19, 2014
My sincere condolences to the family. I was thinking of my childhood friends lately just like Nancy. So sorry to hear the bad news. The good news is she is dancing with the angels in heaven......
May 19, 2014
I would like to express my condolences for your family. May your thoughts be filled with the joyful times together. May you draw strength from God words at 1Corinthians 1:3,4.
JP Posey
May 18, 2014
Samantha you will be sorely missed. I guess GOD needed a special counselor in Heaven. You were my special AUSA and friend. You always listened and were open to suggestions. You won several bets and I had to buy A&W Root Beer because you did not want the caffeine. I still have the postcard from Mexico you sent. I remember we attended a pet loss group and crying for our love ones. I remember calling you at the AUSA's office saying I was "Troy Boy" from the Dallas Cowboys. You would always laugh. I could go on and on but let me say the world has lost a great, loving, gentle, and wonderful person. I will always love you and have the utmost respect for you Samantha. I'll see you in Heaven.
Dayla (Goff) Rivas
May 18, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the family. Have wonderful memories of our childhood in Auburn. She was a wonderful person.
Nancy Richerson Greiner
May 18, 2014
I have thought of you often especially the last few weeks and now I know why! You were a large part of my childhood growing up across the street. You will be missed Samantha Sammy Sam Sue Spangler!
A yellow rose for Samantha, as bright as her smile.
Shannon Sweeney Acedo
May 18, 2014
Shannon Sweeney Acedo
May 18, 2014
Samantha was my friend from Brownies at Alta Vista School through to dances in the cafeteria at PHS. Long springtime bike rides, watching the town pass by from the benches in front of the Auburn Journal, enjoying every last minute of the Auburn Fair each year. She was loving, smart as a whip, strong and loyal. I'll miss her forever. My deepest sympathies to her family.
marsha caperon-mcanulty
May 18, 2014
My condolences to the family. I spent time with the Spangler's while growing up and remember Sam being very positive and caring.
Rick Adams
May 14, 2014
Samantha, I will miss you beyond words. You're in my thoughts daily. I miss our frequent lunches and phone conversations. I miss your quick wit, positive attitude, high integrity, and deep compassion. You are special and unique. The world is a less happy place without you.
Tim Zindel
May 14, 2014
Sam was one of my favorite people ever - totally unique, always interesting. For most of the 23 years I knew her we were adversaries in court and sometimes our disagreements were strong, but she always had something to teach me and she always listened. She kept her mind open to new ideas and experiences and stayed young. I will miss her greatly.
Barbara McCarrell
May 13, 2014
Samantha was my eldest daughter's BFF all through school and afterwards. I offer sincere and heartfelt sympathy to her family and friends. She was a very unique and special woman.
Kim Siegfried U.S. Attorney's Office
May 13, 2014
I admired Samantha's strength and determination to be self-sufficient as long as possible. I miss walking to and from the train with her and hearing her sing along to the radio on days we drove in. She knew every song and performer, no matter what station we were tuned to. Rock on Samantha, rock on.
Aubryn McCarrell
May 12, 2014
Oh Sami, how can you possibly be gone? We are 5 and first meeting and having a crush on Steven Sherbina. We are 11 and you are yelling at that boy for throwing yogurt on my purse. We are 14 and going to Peter Frampton with Neil. We are still 17 and dressing up in hoopskirts to go to a party at Rattlesnake. We are 19 and living in the house on Village Lane and you are sunbathing on the roof. We are 23 and I am having my second child on your birthday. Or we are in our 30's and helping each other through the loss of my father, your mom, my sister, your dad.....Or in our 40's and struggling through too many changes and too many challenges. Oh Sami you won't ever be gone to me. I love you and miss you always.
Ananiah McCarrell
May 12, 2014
Samantha was my mom's best friend. I was born on her birthday. I didn't know her particularly well on my own it seems, but I offer my most sincere condolences to her family.
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