SAMPSON, Marie Louise (Hart) of Needham, more recently of Westwood, died peacefully on May 31, 2021, with family by her side. Beloved wife of the late Thomas A. Sampson of Needham. Cherished mother of Elaine M. Sampson of Needham; Thomas H. Sampson and his wife Bonnie of Glenview, IL; Mark A. Sampson of Ashland; Carol Sampson Grady and her husband Tim of Needham. She was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Patricia Alario of Lunenburg, and leaves behind her dearly loved son-in-law, Robert Alario of Lunenburg.
Proud and loving grandmother to Annie Sampson Greenstone, Christine Alario Boudreau, Colleen Sampson, Bob Alario, Natalie Sampson, Jane Ritt and Michael Alario, and great grandmother to Mackenzie Boudreau and TJ Greenstone.
Born November 18, 1928, Marie grew up in Springfield, MA, and attended Cathedral High School (‘46). She was the only child of the late Patrick J. Hart and Helen (Fenton) Hart. Having lost her mother at a young age, she was embraced by many aunts, uncles and cousins who loved her dearly. Kathleen O’Shea, May Coffey, Mary Fenton, Marion Guildea, Rose and Agnes Hart, were her surrogate mothers. The late John L. Fenton, Margaret and Frances Canning and their children were more than cousins to her. They were her adopted siblings and grandchildren. She leaves behind many cherished cousins in Ireland as well.
Marie loved traveling abroad with her husband, especially to Ireland, but was just as happy exploring historic houses and gardens of New England with her children and grandchildren in tow. She loved bringing family, friends and neighbors together. Setting a pretty table, arranging flowers and planning delicious meals made holidays at her house unforgettable. Gardening brought her immense joy and personal satisfaction. She loved nothing more than being dressed in comfortable clothes, covered in soil, tending to her flower beds. Marie cared deeply about the environment. Composting and recycling were regular routines in her home long before they were in common practice.
Above all, Marie dedicated her heart and soul to raising her children. She actively volunteered in schools, Girl Scouts and St. Bartholomew’s parish. She was a founding member of Kalmia Garden Club and remained a loyal member for decades.
Marie was regarded as a gentle and loving soul, yet she was strong and resilient. She faced life’s challenges with patience and grace, quietly dispensing wisdom about family and marriage with humor and insight until the last days of her life.
Marie’s family wishes to acknowledge the loving and dedicated care she received from the nurses and aides at the Assisted Living Unit of Fox Hill Village.
Visiting hours at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home in Needham, on Friday, June 4, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Bartholomew’s Church in Needham at 11:00 AM. Friends and family kindly invited. Interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Needham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marie’s name to the Community Foundation of North Central MA for the Patricia Sampson Alario Fund, 649 John Fitch Highway, Fitchburg, MA 01420. For directions or to leave a sympathy message for the family, visit www.gfdoherty.com