Carol Sam

1949 - 2026

Binesiikwe, Carol Sam, age 76, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026. A visitation held at 7 PM on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the Baadwewidang Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation. A Funeral Ceremony held at 10 AM on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Baadwewidang Community Center on the Mille Lacs Reservation with Baabiitaw officiating. Interment will be in the Vineland Burial Grounds.

Binesiikwe, Carol Sam was born on September 2, 1949, to Mary (Kegg) and Albert Murphy in Cloquet, Minnesota. She worked as a social worker in many capacities for the Mille Lacs Band and the State of Minnesota. Carol was First Degree Midewewin. She enjoyed pow wows and made many jingle dresses for her family. Carol liked to spend her time going to garage sales, playing bingo, gambling, and being with her family, especially her grandchildren. Laughing and arguing with her family and friends. Sobriety was very important to her; she opened her home and heart to others. Carol will be dearly missed by all.

Binesiikwe is survived by her children, David (Dana) Sam, Jona Fineday, Todd (Darian) Moilanen; sisters, Alberta Loso, Lisa Murphy, Dawn Murphy, Judy Beaulieu, Colleen Minger, Ellagene Dorr; grandchildren, Deon, Duane III, Drevin, Duron, Memengwaa, Raeya; great-grandchildren, Joseph, Anthony, and Star; good friends, Thelma Baker, Lisa Ballinger; and many relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her daughters, Dawn-Renee, Melissa Sam; granddaughter, Tanya Skinaway; parents, Albert Murphy and Mary Kegg; brother, James Day; significant other, Lloyd Keoke.