Carol A. Samburgh

Carol A. (Boyea) Samburgh, 87, of Paul Smiths, NY, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025.

Carol was born on April 10, 1938, in Westville, NY, to Anna (Fleury) and Norman Boyea. She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Franklin Academy in Malone, NY.

On December 28, 1957, she married Jerome “Buster” Samburgh, Jr. in Malone. They celebrated with two receptions—one in Malone and a second at The Sunnyside Hotel in McColloms, owned by her in-laws. Carol and Buster later settled in McColloms, where they became known locally as “the place with all the dogs.”

Together they built and operated Sourdough Kennel, a racing sled dog kennel of Alaskan huskies, for more than 63 years. At times caring for up to 45 dogs while raising three children, Carol was always in motion—keeping the family moving in the right direction, welcoming guests, and feeding extra mouths. The Samburghs raced throughout the Northeast, Quebec, and Ontario, and traveled to Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1991 and Fairbanks, Alaska in 1993 with 38 dogs to compete in the IFSS World Championships. Carol and Buster took great pride in watching their children, John and Cindy, qualify and race against the best sled dog teams in the world.

In the early 1970s, once her youngest entered school, Carol joined the staff at Paul Smith’s College. She began as a bookstore clerk, later became the Bookstore Manager, and eventually transferred to the Hotel Saranac where she served as Buyer and Manager of the hotel’s first gift shop—a position she especially enjoyed.

Carol’s strength and love were profoundly tested as she lived through both of her sons’ battles with cancer. She and Buster lost their oldest son, Michael, at age 28, and later their son John at age 52, after an eight-year fight. Through deep heartbreak, Carol remained the steady center of her family.

A lifelong crafter, Carol loved working with her hands. She spent years collecting pine cones, creating ornaments, and hand-tying hundreds of fresh balsam wreaths each holiday season. For more than 40 years, she and her daughter participated in local craft shows, where Carol became well known for her beautifully made wreaths.

Carol is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Scott LaMay; grandchildren Taylor and Jordanna Samburgh and Jessica Adams; her sister and brother-in-law, Kay and Ted Grenville; a great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews.

She also cared deeply for dear friends Ceil and Phil Delarm, Sue and Bernard Sochia, and Kathy and John, who were all important in her life for so many years.

She was predeceased by her husband, Buster; her sons, Michael and John; her brother and sister-in-law, Norm and Barb Boyea; and her sister, Kathleen Boyea.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saraanc Lake. At Carol’s request, there will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held in the spring. She will be remembered for her quiet strength, her generosity, her kindness and the way she welcomed everyone to her table