Mary Samida passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025, at the age of 84. She was born in Colona, Colorado, toMedora and Frank Lee, and grew up with her sisters, Diana and Bobbi. At age eight, her family moved to California, where she later graduated from North Hollywood High School in 1958.

In the early 1960s, Mary moved to Connecticut to work for AT&T. There, she trained employees in telecommunications equipment and helped rework Japanese instruction manuals into English. During this time, she adopted her first German shepherd, sparking a lifelong love for the breed. Over the years, Mary owned several shepherds, deeply appreciating their loyalty and companionship. She had two special shepherds during her life that she named

Happy, and in her later years a terrier named Baxter found his way intoMary’s heart.

After moving back to California and while still working full time, Mary began taking night classes and developed a passion for painting. She started with oils before discovering her preferred medium, water color, which she loved for its fluidity and spontaneity. She also became an avid quilter, enjoying the creativity and focus the craft required. She usually reached a level of excellence in these activities that the rest of us could only wish for. This was her personality; pride in doing the things she loved to the best of her God-given ability.

In 1971, she married John Samida, and with the marriage gained three daughters: Leigh, Patricia and Margaret. Within a few years, Mary began the dental program at Loma Linda University. In 1977, Mary earned her degree, one of only three women in a graduating class of seventy-three students. Shewent on to build a long and respected career in dentistry, known for her dedication, steadiness, and care for her patients.

Always restless and looking for new creative outlets,Mary took up woodworking in the 1990s. It was while taking a night course in this field that she metDavid Chamberlain, who she grew to consider as her “chosen son.”

Of courseMary was good at woodcraft. But even more importantly, she was good at being an adopted grandma to David and his wife Vicki’s daughter,Megan.Mary loved to be involved in the lives of people she cared about.

Following the passing of her husband John,Mary moved toWashington State in 2003. There, she embraced a new chapter of life—traveling in her RV, exploring the country, and forming meaningful friendships in her community. She especially enjoyed the freedom and adventure of the open road.

Mary was a highly intelligent and independent woman who valued learning, creativity, and doing things well. She continued painting and quilting throughout her later life, and these pursuits brought her peace and fulfillment beyond her professional achievements.

Of all her accomplishments, however, if you asked her she would say that developing her love, trust, and complete abandonment to her faith in Jesus Christ brought her the peace of mind and comfort she most wanted.

Her life was committed to God and the knowing Jesus was always there for her with his unconditional love and forgiveness. The knowing she gave her all to Him was her joy.

Preceding her in death besides her parents, Frank and Medora Lee, are both her sisters Diana Hessler and Bobbi Lee, her husband John Samida, and her daughter Patricia Pomeroy. Mary is survived by two daughters, Leigh VanDenBerg and Margaret Samida, son-in-law Trent Pomeroy, “chosen son”David (Vickie), nieces Melody Page (Frank), Kerri Conaway, Kaycee Young, Kimberlee Young, nephews Bill Young, Rick Hessler, Mark Hessler, six grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren and great-nieces and nephews, along with countless friends she always considered family.

All of us that loved Mary would like to send out a huge hug of thanks. So many people helped her in everyday tasks, health needs, and spiritual needs that enabled her to lead a normal and independent life. This made it possible forMary to complete her final years of life, truly one of the best gifts from God and friends.

A memorial service to celebrate Mary’s life will be held on Saturday, August 9th at 2:00 p.m. at Cedar Community Church, 192 S. Cedar St., Buckley, WA 98321.