Laurette Samson

MANLIUS, N.Y. – Laurette Samson, a woman of deep faith and quiet strength, passed away on March 14, 2026, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born on Sept. 23, 1944, in Manchester, N.H., Laurette was the daughter of Euclide and Therese (Laprise) Turmelle. From an early age, her faith was central to who she was. After high school, she followed a calling to religious life, joining the convent and being received into the Community of the Sisters of the Holy Cross following her novitiate year. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education from Notre Dame College in Manchester, N.H.

In time, Laurette received her dispensation from her final vows and found her next great calling. She married the love of her life, Gerard Samson, and together they built a beautiful family. Their 24 years of marriage were a testament to joy, partnership, and devotion. Gerard preceded her in death in 1994, as did their beloved daughter, Leigh Samson, in 1975, losses Laurette carried with characteristic grace.

Laurette spent many years as an English language arts teacher in the Augusta City School District in Augusta, Maine. Her love of literature extended well beyond the classroom. She was an avid reader and a cherished member of local book clubs, where her enthusiasm for a good story was contagious.

At home, Laurette was in her element. She loved to clean (with the notable exception of dusting), do crafts, bake, and tend to her garden, where she was gifted with an extraordinary green thumb. Her most treasured baking tradition was making brownies with her grandchildren.

In retirement, Laurette embraced adventure with characteristic spirit. She traveled internationally alongside her dear friend, Jackie Lacasse, and lovingly documented each journey in handcrafted scrapbooks, beautiful keepsakes that reflected her creativity and her appreciation for life’s experiences.

In 2019, Laurette moved to Syracuse, N.Y., to live with her daughter Lynn and family. That same year, she took the stage as the keynote speaker at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Syracuse, a moment of remarkable courage and advocacy. She spoke with compassion and conviction, calling for greater research and understanding of the disease she was navigating firsthand. It was a powerful reflection of the woman she was strong, independent, and never defined by her circumstances.

Those qualities, strength, independence, and an unshakeable spirit, are perhaps her greatest legacy, passed down to her daughters and woven into the fabric of the family she loved so dearly.

Laurette is survived by her three daughters, Laureen (John) Driscoll, Lisa Samson (Erik Nedeau), and Lynn (Scott) Brann; her six grandchildren, Zachary (Brittni) Driscoll, Joseph (Reigina) Driscoll, Mathew (KayDee) Driscoll, Nolen Brann, Ella Brann, and Ryan Samson; and her two great-grandchildren, Andrew Driscoll and Daniel Driscoll.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; and several of her beloved siblings.

Laurette’s life was one of service and grace and she will be missed and forever cherished.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Augusta, Maine on Friday, Aug. 7, at 10 a.m. Burial will be at a later date.

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta, Maine.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared at http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Laurette’s memory may be made to the

Alzheimer’s Association