Loving, caring, giving, joyful, spontaneous
Samantha, known to those who loved her as Sam, lived a life defined by warmth, humor, and a deep love for her family, friends, and animals. Those closest to her describe Sam as goofy, silly, and impossible to fully capture in words—she was simply Sam. She grew up in Adams, Massachusetts, where her caring nature and full-of-life spirit were evident to those who loved her. Always loving and generous, she was happiest when she was spending time with the people she loved. She enjoyed laughing, dancing, and playfully picking on her family—mom Terry, dad Tony, her brother Ricky, her sister Colleen, and especially her daughter, Cheyenne, now 17.
Family adventures and trips were meaningful to Sam, including visits to places like Six Flags, Florida, Rhode Island, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. These moments of togetherness reflected how important connection was to her.
Sam had a creative soul. She was artistic, with a passion for music, art, drawing, and coloring. She loved animals deeply, a love perhaps best demonstrated by rescuing a dog named July with a friend. July remained by her side for more than ten years.
Sam worked as a laborer and was known for her strength and determination, even while living for 25 years with the disease of addiction. Her family saw how the disease changed her over time, in what Cheyenne stated was from “a happy-go-lucky person to someone we didn’t recognize anymore.”
Sam’s greatest hope for the future was simple and genuine: to get back on her feet and be with her family. Cheyenne said that she fought hard, coming close to “overcoming her demons.” She misses the person her mom was and regrets that the family didn’t get more time with her.
Sam’s struggle has left a lasting impact on those who loved her, developing compassion and understanding for those with substance use disorder. They resolve not to judge others facing such challenges.
Sam is missed in every way. Her family remembers her love, her laughter, her creativity, and the joy she brought into their lives. They continue to hold her close in their hearts, while also holding in their prayers all those who are still struggling.
Samantha’s daughter, Cheyenne Bernier, provided the information for this narrative.
September 9, 1987–October 18, 2025-Age 38
Portrait Artist: Shawn Faust
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
