Samuel Conrad Shumadine

Samuel C. Shumadine, 17, passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at home in Norfolk, Virginia following a courageous battle with osteosarcoma.

Despite facing an aggressive cancer, Sam was never defined by his illness. He always remained an engaged and active member of the Norfolk Academy community, which he joined in first grade and immediately became his home away from home. He loved every aspect of his school experience. He enjoyed many strong relationships with faculty and staff members and appreciated the academic rigor. An avid and skillful athlete, his competitive nature shined on the tennis courts, soccer and lacrosse fields, and basketball courts on which he was always proud to compete. Even when he could no longer play, Sam supported and inspired his teammates as a manager and enthusiastic fan. He was a natural leader in and out of the classroom, most recently serving as an executive member of the Upper School Council.

Most of all, Sam treasured his friendships with his fellow classmates who challenged him to be the best and supported him when he most needed it. His optimism, kindness, mischievous smile, and boundless humor were contagious and allowed him to easily make and keep countless friends.

Outside of school, Sam was a life-long fan of the Virginia Cavaliers, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Miami Heat. Sam lived his too short life to the fullest and loved watching and discussing sports, dancing at parties, listening to all types of music, traveling around the world, being on the water, spending summers at Camp Seagull, and vacationing at Sandbridge with family.

Sam is survived by his parents, Jim and Elizabeth Shumadine, sister Charlotte, and grandparents, Sam and Margaret Wells and Conrad Shumadine. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Anne Shumadine. He is also survived by many caring aunts, uncles, cousins, and his beloved dog, Blanca.

Sam quickly befriended and appreciated the many members of his care team at the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, Duke Health, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and Edmarc. The family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to Dr. Wilson File who was not only Sam's primary oncologist, but also became a trusted and cherished counselor throughout his treatment. In addition, the family would like to recognize the extraordinary care provided by Rob Ericson and the entire CHKD hematology-oncology and Edmarc teams.

Funeral services will be held at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Norfolk at 2pm on Wednesday, January 10. Additional parking has been offered by Second Presbyterian Church, located across the street at 7305 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23505. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Sam Shumadine Fund for Financial Assistance at Norfolk Academy which Sam established last year to express his deep love for his alma mater and his desire to share the experience with others (Website: norfolkacademy.org/giving Address: 1585 Wesleyan Dr, Norfolk, VA 23502).

Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.