Leah M. Sample, 95, of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Feb. 21, 2019.

“My Life Story” begins in 1923, the year that I was born in Blue Hill – the nearest hospital to our home in Brooklin, Maine. I never knew my father and my mother died of pneumonia when I was just six years old. I was “raised by committee,” which consisted of my strict grandmother, aunt and uncle. My early life was further complicated by the Great Depression. I had to grow up quickly but the silver lining was that I acquired a lot of managerial skills that have served me well. I graduated as valedictorian of my class from Brooklin High School at age 15.

Financially, college was not a choice so I headed to Eastern State Normal School in Castine to become a teacher. I lived with Anna Witherle, a lovely local woman from a successful Boston family who was very active in the Castine community. As a mother figure and mentor, she gentrified me and ignited my passion for community involvement.

I met my first husband, Charles Parker, while at the Normal School. Following graduation, he served in the Navy during World War II. We were fortunate to be assigned to stateside bases. We were blessed with three children: Chris, Tim and Debbie. When our marriage ended, we were living in Limestone, Maine.

I met my second husband and love of my life when I visited Boothbay Harbor with friends via sailboat and we experienced engine trouble. Frank Sample of Sample’s Shipyard invited us to dinner and the rest is history. In 1956, we moved to Boothbay Harbor and Frank adopted my three young children. We blended well with his three older daughters – Sally, Liza and Susan. Together, we had one son, Linc.

Boothbay Harbor has been home for over 60 years now. During that time I made myself at home by volunteering in the community. Those managerial skills that I had learned as a young girl combined with the inspiration and example of Miss Anna gave me a skillset and mindset to make many contributions to our community – library volunteer, classroom reader at the elementary school, Girl and Boy Scout leader, president of the Garden Club, member of St. Andrews Auxiliary and Advisory Board, Congregational Church volunteer and last but not least co-founder of “Meals on Wheels” in the early ’70s. In 2014, the Boothbay Harbor Board of Selectmen honored my with the “Spirit of America” award for my many years of community service.

After Frank died in 1978, you would find me at Fisherman’s Wharf working as a desk clerk and hostess for many years. A lifelong dream was fulfilled when I received a BA in English from University of Southern Maine in 1988. Subsequently, I taught GED classes and wrote a children’s book “The Summer with Jay” which was illustrated by my son Tim and published in 2005. I developed a reputation as a “card shark” and “word-smith.”

The role that I most cherish is that of a mother. I hope that my children have enjoyed the ride as much as I have.

Survivors include: Sally (Allen) Johnson, Liza Lawrence, Susie (Steve) Hooper, Chris (Judy) Sample, Tim Sample (Kevin), Debbie (David) Mundee, and Linc (Sarah) Sample.

Many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

There will be a memorial service Saturday, March 16 at 2 p.m. at the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church, Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor.

A celebration of Leah’s life will be held at a later date.

Hall's of Boothbay has care of the arrangements.  To extend online condolences, please visit hallfuneralhomes.com