Obituary of Pamela Piech Sampson
Pamela Piech Sampson, a woman of extraordinary grace, charm, and wit, passed away on December 10, 2024, at the age of 75 in Summit, NJ. Born in New York City, Pamela grew up in Dix Hills, NY, later residing in Little Silver, NJ, before making her home in Watchung, NJ, where she became a beloved fixture of the community since 1985.
Pamela’s life was a vibrant tapestry woven with creativity, intellect, and a deep sense of adventure. She graduated from Dana Hall School in Wellesley, Massachusetts, before beginning her collegiate journey at Sweet Briar College in Virginia. Preferring a setting closer to her tastes and values, Pamela transferred to Finch College in New York, where she earned her degree in Art History, cultivating the foundation for a lifelong passion for aesthetics and beauty.
It was during her time at Finch College that Pamela met her future husband, James “Jimmy” Sampson, through his sister, Elizabeth “Libby” Benton, who was one of Pamela’s closest friends. Their connection blossomed naturally, built on shared values, mutual admiration, and a spark that ignited a beautiful love story. Pamela and Jimmy’s bond grew into a partnership that enriched their lives and the lives of all who knew them.
After college, Pamela embarked on a unique entrepreneurial adventure with Jimmy and their dear friends, Libby and Benji, founding Bad Leather Mexican Imports. This venture embodied her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Later in life, Pamela served as a bookkeeper at Twin Brooks Country Club in Watchung, where she and Jimmy deepened their ties to the community, becoming known and loved by all who crossed their paths.
Pamela’s talents and interests were as varied as they were remarkable. She was a skilled ballerina, a talented artist, a thoughtful scholar, and an intrepid traveler. She had a gift for culinary arts and a green thumb that turned her gardens into lush sanctuaries. She navigated life’s journeys with curiosity and resilience, whether plotting a course aboard Jolly Good, the family yacht she and Jimmy shared, or mastering the nuances of card games.
Her sense of style and elegance was unparalleled, blending sophistication with a flair that was uniquely hers. Pamela had a deep love for art, literature, and fashion, which she pursued with unrelenting enthusiasm. A devoted animal lover, she cherished the companionship of her dogs.
To those fortunate enough to know her, Pamela was a woman of many facets—wise, kind, fiercely protective, and fiercely authentic. She was both pragmatic and creative, embodying a rare blend of beauty and brilliance. She could be described as stubborn yet graceful, bold yet nurturing, funny yet profoundly wise. Above all, she was a confidant, a friend, and an anchor to her family and community.
Pamela was preceded in death by her devoted husband, James C. Sampson; her parents, Peter and Olga Piech; her sister-in-law, Elizabeth “Libby” Benton; her mother-in-law, Ruth Sampson; and her brother-in-law, Charles C. Sims.
She is survived by her loving children, Sarah Sampson and Sarah’s wife, Devon, and David Sampson and his wife, Kelly. She also leaves behind her beloved brother, Peter Piech, and his wife, Paula, along with their children, Brian and Lauren. Her family circle includes her brother-in-law, Benjamin Benton; sisters-in-law Annette Sims and Sarah L. Sampson and her husband, Kevin Wildeman; niece Amy Novack and her husband, Dan; nephews Mark Sims and his wife, Mary Henderson, Steven Strumolo, and Jared Strumolo. Pamela’s legacy also includes an indomitable 38-year-old houseplant, affectionately named Keith Richards, a testament to her humor and enduring love for life’s simple joys.
In honoring Pamela’s wishes, no formal funeral services will be held. However, her family plans to announce a celebration of her remarkable life at a later date, where her legacy of love, laughter, and indomitable spirit will be cherished and celebrated.
Pamela Piech Sampson will be deeply missed, but her memory will continue to inspire all who were privileged to know her.
