Debra “Debbie”
Sampson – 65,
Bathurst, New Brunswick. Mrs. Debra Sampson, wife of Reverend Glen
Sampson, passed away, with her family by her side, on Monday, April 4,
2022, at Chaleur Regional Hospital, Bathurst.
Born in New Glasgow, and raised in Antigonish, she was the
daughter of the late Donald and Rosalie (Holmes)
Holmes.
Family was very important to Debbie. Along with her husband,
she is survived by five children, Michael Sampson (Rebecca), Bathurst,
New Brunswick; Reverend Sarah Thompson (Reverend Andrew), Dutton,
Ontario; David Sampson (Julia), Shubenacadie; Reverend Matthew Sampson
(Alyssa), Toronto, Ontario; Jonathan Sampson (Robin), Truro. There are
nine grandchildren who meant the world to her.
She is also survived by three brothers, Doug Holmes (Marg),
Antigonish; Jim Holmes (Susan), Antigonish; Ken Holmes (Sandra),
Truro; several nieces and nephews.
Debbie graduated from Nova Scotia Agricultural College in
1976 and went on to Macdonald College of McGill University to complete
a B.Sc. (Agr.) in 1978 and a M.Sc. (Agronomy) in 1987. She worked
alongside her husband Glen for many years in Agricultural research.
She was an accomplished watercolour artist and pen and ink
illustrator. In addition to her paintings, she illustrated five
agriculturally related books. In 2012, she graduated from Presbyterian
College, Montreal, with a Diploma in Lay Leadership and worked in
Ministry alongside her husband Glen until her health no longer allowed
it.
Debbie loved being on the water, which began at an early age
on her father’s boat. Debbie and Glen could often be found
along the shore experiencing what the Bay of Chaleur had to offer.
Debbie loved music and was an accomplished guitar player and singer.
In Truro, she was often found singing at the “Fair Trade
Café” and she was always willing to share her gift of
music during church services and other church
functions.
Debbie was an inspiration to those who knew her because of
her humility, her kindness and her courage in facing all challenges
she faced in life. She will be remembered as such a sweet, gentle and
kind Godly woman. She lived life with a deep and abiding faith and was
known for a faith that did not falter in the midst of her challenges.
That legacy was passed on to her children. She was known for her
hospitality as she was often hosting “tea parties” and
preparing meals for small groups and large. She was an active member
of several Presbyterian Churches and served a two year term as
President of St. Luke’s Auxiliary of the Atlantic Mission
Society. She had a love and passion for children and youth and
introducing them to Jesus. She would spare no effort in preparing for
and reaching out to the youth.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to
the doctors, nurses and other staff of Chaleur Hospital for the
exceptional care she received as a patient there and the care and
compassion shown to the family. The family would also like to pass
special thanks to her family doctor, Dr. M. A. Doucet for the care for
the last number of years and to the staff of the wound care clinic for
their care over the years.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Friday, April 8,
2022, at Elhatton’s Funeral Home Chapel, Bathurst.
Funeral service will be held at St. James Presbyterian Church, 725
Prince Street, Truro, at a date and time to be announced.
Donations in memory of Debra may be made to St. Luke’s
Presbyterian Church, St. James Presbyterian Church, Team Challenge
Atlantic (www.tcatlantic.ca) or a favorite charity.
Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton’s Funeral
Home, Bathurst (www.elhatton.com) and Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home,
Truro. (www.mattatallvarnerfh.com)
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Debra Debbie Sampson 1956 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia