Susan Marie Samsa

Susan Marie Samsa, 64, of Strasburg died Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014 lovingly surrounded by her family following a valiant fight against cancer.

Born on March 5, 1950 in Canton, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Dallas and Carol (Waltz) Yackey.

Teaching was her lifelong passion having taught for 37 years. She began her career at Dundee Elementary. She then taught at the former Park School in Dover and eventually taught third grade for over 30 years at Dover East Elementary until her retirement in 2010. She also tutored numerous students well into her retirement. She was an ardent proponent for penmanship. Under her guidance, Dover East Elementary produced both state and national handwriting champions. In addition to her role as a teacher, she was proudly elected to serve on the Strasburg-Franklin School Board for over 20 years.

Susan was a lifelong member of the First Lutheran Church in Strasburg where she served on committees and taught Sunday School and catechism. She also was a member of the Strasburg Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. She was a 1968 graduate of Strasburg-Franklin High School and a 1971 graduate of Kent State University having earned her Masters Degree. She will also be remembered for her wonderful cooking as well as her love of cats.

Susan married her high school sweetheart Paul Samsa and would have celebrated 42 years of marriage on Dec. 22, 2014; In addition, she will also be greatly missed by her family including her son Dr. Nathan and wife, Dr. Chris Samsa of Strasburg; Her greatest joy was her grandchildren, Nicholas and Noel. She is also survived by her brothers, Mike (Patty) Yackey and Mark (Dana) Yackey; her brother in law John (Ruth) Samsa of Beach City and sister in law, Sandy Samsa of Strasburg.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister and brothers in law, Carolyn and Richard Hess and Peter (Jim) Samsa.

A funeral service celebrating Susan's life will be held Monday, Nov. 17, 2014 beginning at 11 am in the First Lutheran Church at Strasburg with Pastor Karen Biggerstaff officiating. Cremation will follow the service. Friends may call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory at Dover on Sunday from 2-6pm and Monday at the church from 10-11am. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Susan may sign the online guestbook by visiting the "obituaries and flowers" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Lutheran Church, 211 8th St. S.W., Strasburg, Ohio 44680