Susan Esther "Sue" Lightman

9/27/1958 - 6/12/2023

Preston - The family of Susan Esther "Sue" Lightman (Sampson) are saddened to announce her unexpected passing June 12, 2023. Sue was born in Boston, Mass., Sept. 27, 1958, the daughter of the late Maxine Lightman (Rice) and the late C. Leonard Lightman. A long time Preston resident, she was the loving and loyal wife of Paul C. Sampson whom she married March 17, 1978. Along with Paul, she is survived by her daughter Dr. Rachael M. Sampson of Newton, Pa.; and her son Jeremy L. Sampson of Brooklyn, N.Y.

As a young woman, Susan and her family lived in many parts of the country as her dad, an executive for the Zayre Corporation, set up distribution centers throughout the U.S. She met her future husband at an Allman Brothers concert at the old Boston Garden in 1974, and they survived "the Blizzard of 78" while living in Hull, Mass. She was a graduate of Duxbury Massachusetts High School and Three Rivers Community College, Norwich, where she graduated with honors.

A member of the National Association of Realtors and the Southeastern CT board, Sue was a realtor for Coldwell Banker for many years, listing and selling throughout Connecticut as a seniors real estate specialist (SRES). Her presentations at many local Community Senior Centers and her luncheons were very popular. She worked as a substitute teacher in Lisbon, and volunteered in the Preston School System where she was known for baking latkes and playing dreidel during Hanukkah. She volunteered with Navy Relief at NSB Groton, was a scout leader in Preston and Ledyard, and worked with Seniors Helping Seniors of Mystic as an elder care provider.

She was a dog rescuer. Over the years, she took in many from the Preston and local pounds. She would tell her husband that she was babysitting the new dog, but it was in a forever home. She loved to cook and entertain, hosting reunions, sleepovers, and her well attended Hanukah parties and Passover celebrations. She loved the ocean and was a member of the Westerly, R.I. Beach Club.

In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by her sisters, Rebecca Lightman (Lou Rodrigues) of Sacramento, Calif., and Jackie Stevens of Gilroy, Calif.; her brothers-in-law, Bill and Gerry Sampson of Nashua and Hillsdale, N.H., respectively; her sisters-in-law, Mary Owen of Formby, U.K., and Helen Schreiner of Panama City Beach, Fla.; her aunt Evelyn Davis of Cranston, R.I.; along with several cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her mother Maxine; her father Leonard; grandparents, Simon and Ann Lightman; her brother Mark; and her uncle Frank Davis. Services are private.