Beverly I. LaFave Sampson

Beverly I. LaFave Sampson, 85, passed away Thursday afternoon, August 7th, at Hospice of Jefferson County, Watertown.

She was born on June 25, 1940, in Watertown, NY, daughter of William F. and Doris Duff LaFave. She graduated from Philadelphia High School in 1958 and then from the Watertown School of Commerce, in 1959.

She married Samuel Alonzo Sampson on May 11, 1963, in Philadelphia, NY. Mr. Sampson passed away on December 24, 1975.

Beverly worked as a school bus driver for the Indian River School District for many years, as well as a bookkeeper for the town of Philadelphia. She retired in 2002.

She volunteered for the Woman’s Center, in Watertown, the Volunteer Transportation Center, Office of the Aging, the American Red Cross, and Hospice. She was an honorary member of the Indian River Ambulance since 2022.

She is survived by three sons, Samuel A. Jr, Scott W., and Steven W. (Melissa) Sampson, all of Philadelphia, a daughter, Sandra (Kip) LaClair, Pamelia, a brother, William LaFave, Arizona, and seven grandchildren. She also had 11 great grandchildren. Besides her husband, Sam, she was predeceased by two brothers, Robert and Vernon LaFave, and a grandson, Jon LaClair.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, August 14th at 12 noon, at Hillside Cemetery, Antwerp. A celebration of life reception will follow at the Philadelphia American Legion.

Memorial donations may be made in Beverly’s name to the Indian River Ambulance Fund, 6.5 Sand St., Philadelphia, NY 13673, irambulance.org.