Samantha Joanne Rose Harrington was born October 20, 1988 and passed away Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023 with her best friend Dawn Johnson at her side.
Samantha is survived by her mother Susan Harrington, stepfather Edwin Tobias, father Todd Harrington (Denise Balistere), brother Jesse A Harrington and his wife Jamie Harrington; brother Maxwell Harrington and her sister, Mackenzie Harrington; nephews Jesse J Harrington and Kyle Harrington. Also, including aunts, uncles and cousins.
Samantha was born with spinal muscular, atrophy, a progressive neurological disease. At five years old, she became a goodwill ambassador for the muscular dystrophy Association. During high school, Sam taught kids in math and reading. At 17 years old, she graduated from Greece Athena high school with a regents diploma with high honors. Sam was also inducted into the Greece Youth Hall of Fame for demonstrating leadership and community spirit through personal achievement. Sam was awarded a Make-A-Wish and chose a family vacation on a Disney cruise line. She continued her education at MCC and studied liberal arts. While at college, she volunteered at a law firm that represented people with disabilities.
Samantha loved time with family, fashion, design, reading, and had a hysterical sense of humor. She desired to help people who were in need.
Samantha was strong and tenacious. She had a significant impact on everyone she met.
Samantha’s Memorial Service will be Saturday, May 20, 2023 with meeting with the family from 9 AM to 11 AM and her Memorial service starting at 11 AM at Rochester Cremation, 1118 Long Pond Rd., Rochester, NY 14626
We are truly sorry to hear of Samantha’s passing. What a beautiful lady ! Sam accomplished so much in her short life despite her disabilities. I believe Sam thrived because she felt her mother’s love each and everyday of her life. Sam lived in a home full of love and support. She was blessed to have Ed’s love too. Samantha will be missed by many and will always have a place in our hearts. Our deepest sympathy for Sam’s family – hold on to your memories, in time, they will bring you peace and comfort. May God bless each of you and keep you safe. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With love, Barb and Mike
We are so sorry to hear. We are thinking of Sammantha & her family with love, care & sympathy. She is incredible & beautiful in so many ways. She will be in our hearts and prayers. With love, Theresa, Andrew & Landen
Samantha was an inspiration to others on so many levels. She had a smile that lit up a room. Through all the many challenges set before her, Sam still found joy in life and had the best sense of humor. No matter her struggles, her generous soul still thought of others.
It was love that kept her here all these years. Her love for family and friends and the unconditional love and support of her devoted mother.
Wishing the family, in time, the comfort of loving memories. Rest in peace, sweet Samantha. You have earned a beautiful, pain free eternity. You will be missed.
Cathy & Ron Calcagno
Look what love can do.❤️🙏❤️Sam accomplished more good in her sweet short life than I have in double the time. You couldn’t meet her and not love her. Flights of Angels Sam…🌹✨❤️a gracious loving soul from a beautiful family. We should all be so richly blessed.🙏✨🙏🌷goodbye for now Samantha.❤️
Dear Sue,
I was so sorry to read in the paper of the passing of your wonderful daughter on Mother’s Day. I can’t even imagine how difficult this must have been for you and your family. Each time you spoke about Samantha, you always did so with such love and acceptance of how she was now living her life, understanding the total need for her to be in charge of making her own decisions. My heart goes out to all of you. With deepest sympathy.
Jeanne Carlivati
My sincere condolences to Samantha’s family and friends. I knew her as a young girl at Paddy Hill and Kirk Road Schools. She had a beautiful spirit!