Samantha Sawyer Nichols

1992 - 2024

Samantha Sawyer Nichols
June 20, 1992 - December 13, 2024
Samantha Sawyer Nichols, age 32 years, died December 13, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Her sister Danielle and parents, Rachel and Jeffery were at her side.
Samantha was born June 20th 1992 at Petaluma Valley Hospital. Her early childhood was spent in Inverness at the family home in 1st Valley. She attended Papermill Creek Children's Corner and was the beneficiary of a nurturing team of teachers.
After the Vision Fire in 1995, Samantha and her family moved to Petaluma. She attended Miwok Elementary School, then Petaluma Junior High School until she graduated from Petaluma High School in 2010.
A high-energy child, she enjoyed playing in the Petaluma Youth Soccer League, attending American Dance School, and putting on plays and musical productions with the neighborhood kids.
Sam, as she was known to most, attended Santa Rosa Junior College and volunteered at the Petaluma Animal Shelter and Forgotten Felines Rescue before moving to Oklahoma City in summer 2012.
She began working in the retail and restaurant industries then found her niche while telecommuting to provide remote support which led to a position in healthcare IT.
She cared about helping people and solving problems with grace and consideration and she believed in spreading kindness wherever she was. Growing up with learning challenges taught her a lot about communication and acceptance.
Sam spent her spare time with family or friends and caring for her furry companions Millie and Charlie. She enjoyed spending time walking at local parks, with friends or with her dog Millie. Her favorite season was sweater weather, and her very astute sense of humor belied her quiet presence.
After developing food allergies, Sam took up gluten-free eating and mastered the art of sourdough bread-making. She had recently decided she wanted to attend culinary school.
Sam taught herself to crochet and was busy making blankets for her soon-to-be-born niece Peyton. She was so excited to become an aunt and was planning to move back to Sonoma County.
Samantha's sweet light will shine always.
She is missed beyond measure by her beloved sisters Danielle and Sara, parents Rachel Cadiz and Jeff Nichols, brother-in-law Jesse Merodio, nieces Elizabeth and Peyton, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
A virtual Celebration of Samantha's Life will be held later this year.
Memorial contributions may be made to the animal shelter or rescue organization of your choice.