Search by Name

Search by Name

Suzanne Sampson Obituary

Suzanne Cecelia Gion Sampson passed away on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at the age of 52 after a valiant struggle with cancer. Resident of Ripton, Vermont, former resident of Downers Grove, IL, South Burlington, VT and Santa Cruz, CA. Born in Park Ridge, IL to George and Suzanne (Barnes) Gion on Christmas Eve, 1960. Devoted wife and true "buddy" of Jeffrey A. Sampson for 29 years. Proud and wonderful mother to Bray Erin Sampson (Jeffrey) Judycki and Christopher Daniel Sampson, both of Downers Grove, IL. She is survived by her father George J. Gion of Milwaukee, WI, sisters Ruth (Martin) Gran of Fort Smith, AK, Mary (John) Guy of Whitefish Bay, WI, Judy Gion of Bloomington. IL and brothers Greg Gion of Las Vegas, NV, Ron (Paula ) Gion of Northfield, IL, Mark (Bev) Gion of Northbrook, IL and John Gion of Milwaukee, WI and aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, colleagues and many, many devoted friends. She was preceded in death by her loving mother Suzanne Barnes Gion. Suzanne grew up in Winnetka, IL , attended California College of Art and graduated from Trinity College in Burlington, VT. She worked for Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, and was known for her genuine kindness in assisting people in need. Suzanne was a truly loving and beautiful person: witty, playful, kind, creative, positive, passionate and down to earth. She was an accomplished textile artist and loved art of all kinds, as well as music, sports, conversation, children, friends and nature. She took great pleasure in hiking, gardening and yoga. She was an expert skier and in her last year found special solace in swimming in the cold, clear river near her home almost every day. A private family service will be held in the Milwaukee area. Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to Addison County (Vermont) Home Heath & Hospice (http://www.achhh.org) Suzanne's family wishes to thank all of the truly wonderful people at Vermont Center for Cancer Medicine, Fletcher Allen Health Care, and Addison County Home Health & Hospice for the extraordinary care Suzanne received. We are very grateful for your kindness.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Feb. 1, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Suzanne Sampson

Not sure what to say?





Eileen Morand

February 13, 2013

My deepest condolences to all the family members and friends who will miss her.

February 9, 2013

Dear Gions and Sampson Families,
I am so saddened to hear of Sue's passing. I remember chatting with Sue when I visited John at your Winnetka house. Know that I am keeping you in my prayers and hoping that happy memories of Sue and her friendly smile lighten your burden of loss.
Deborah Heinen

Matthew Barnes

February 6, 2013

Our family visited the Gions religiously every summer while we kids were growing up. I allways remember Sue laughing and cracking us up to the point of tears. That's how I remember Sue. My fondest memory is the time Terrie, my sister, John Gion, Sue and I had a water fight with some plastic cups by a water fountain. We all formed lifelong family bonds then as strong now as they ever were. I can only imagine Sue just as bright now as she was on earth. God bless you Sue. We all miss you.

Jamee Caskinette (Gion)

February 4, 2013

God bless you at this time of sorrow. In our thoughts and prayers.

Kathy Paleczny

February 4, 2013

Dear Gion and Sampson Family,
My heart goes out to all of you with the recent passing of Suzanne. I grew up going to Hubbard Woods School in Winnetka with her, riding our bikes to school every day.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you struggle through this hard time in your lives.
My best to all of you,
Kathy Petersen Paleczny

Alison Fink Halm

February 3, 2013

I knew Sue mostly through her younger brother, John. I remember her laughing a lot. She was always funny, friendly and kind -- even to the younger kids.
Reading about her today made me felt sad but I also felt happy to know that she met someone that she truly loved and connected with and that her marriage was happy and included 2 beautiful children. You all helped to create a beautiful life for her while she was here and that is SO important. No one can give a greater gift. I am so sorry for all of her friends and family that she was taken from you way too soon.
To John, I know you must miss her terribly. She was a bright and bubbly girl. Please know that so many of your friends are thinking of you and wishing you peace at this time.

Elizabeth Kretchmer

February 1, 2013

Dear Gion and Sampson Families,

I was so saddened to hear of Sue's passing. Please know that my heart goes out to all of you during this very difficult time.

I remember Sue growing up in WInnetka. She was a sweet and kind gal and I enjoyed knowing and talking to her.

I'm thinking of you all!

February 1, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with her many friends, her many relatives, and her lovely family. She was a ray of sunshine at Midwest Tech; her smile lit up any room. We felt so blessed to spend some time with her a few months back- the love and laughter that lit the room. Our sincere sympathies to all- with love and respect, Chris and Dan Frailey and her many friends at Midwest Tech

February 1, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Suzanne lit up a room with her smile. She was love and laughter at Midwest Tech. We were so honored to see her several months ago. Our condolences to the entire family, Chris and Dan Frailey and family

Pam Meaker

January 31, 2013

All of our love to Jeff, Bray and Christopher. Suzanne was a shining light to our family. Tom, Pam, Nancy, William and Diana Meaker

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Make a Donation
in Suzanne Sampson's name

Memorial Events
for Suzanne Sampson

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Suzanne's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Suzanne Sampson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more