Samantha Nash

Sam sang her way through life. In her 64 years she never met a stranger and traveled facing the sun. Samantha Nash was born to Eddie and Beulah (Hanna) Nash on August 19, 1958 in New Haven, CT where she lived for most of her life until her passing on November 23, 2022. From this small corner of the world, she lived a glowing and adventurous life full of laughter. Sam was a proud alumnus of Richard C. Lee High School, class of 1976. As a “mayor”, she was a spirited cheer leader and member of the track team. After high school she began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Sam easily became everyone’s favorite CNA and colleague. She was known at the nurse’s station for making jokes or singing about working a double shift. She dedicated 30 years of patient’s services to Regal Care at New Haven (Clifton House). She also began taking classes to continue her education in the field of social work. Family meant everything to Sam. She made it her mission to create a family for those in need. A licensed Foster Parent to over 15 children, Sam provided space and support in her home for anyone who needed it whether it was for one night or until they got back on their feet. Her generosity was boundless. Her door was always open. Her genuine nature made her so easy to talk to. She had the most forgiving heart and unforgettable laugh. She had the ability to find goodness in everybody. Her dedication to children and community made her the recipient of the “Outstanding Parent Involvement Award” given by the New Haven Board of Education Head Start Program. Samantha was the youngest daughter of 8 children but will be remembered as the “protective sister”. Lovingly known as “Sam” and “Gramma Sam” by her grandchildren. Sam thrived in the company of her extended family and loved traveling with her “sister cousins”. She made her way to Paris, California, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Caribbean Islands and every family function. Some would describe Sam as shy, even bashful at times. But what became clear to everyone was that she had this amazing voice brewing under the surface. Sam loved to sing and owned an extensive music collection. She cherished her friendships and fellowship with her church families. As an infant she was baptized by her godfather Bishop Wilson at The Missionary Holy Apostolic Church. She was raised as a sister in Christ at Faith Tabernacle, Apostle H. Carmichael, of New Haven. For 25 years she worshiped and praised, in Bridgeport, at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit with Pastor Kenneth Moales, Jr. In 2001, Sam became a founding member of the Kergyma Community Choir. Since that first rehearsal, singing with Kergyma was one of the many joys of her life. Kergyma’s dedication to their community and their mission of witnessing to the lost beyond the walls of their region and to spread the inspired message of Christ to all aligned with Sam’s principles. For 20 years, Sam performed on stages and churches with Kergyma in New York, Detroit, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and South Carolina. Her sweet soprano voice can be heard on the 3 albums that they recorded. She can also be seen in Episode 1 of the hit Netflix series “Seven Seconds.” Doing what she loved, singing in the choir. Being a breast cancer survivor, she joined the support group Covering My Sisters INC. In 2018, Sam attended the Living Beyond Breast Conference. After networking and collaborating with other survivors she decided to take on a more active leadership role and became a Breast Cancer Awareness Advocate. She provided support, guidance, and service to the members of Covering My Sisters INC. Even during her periods of active cancer treatments, she was appointed to the position of outreach worker. Using humor to connect with survivors, she helped them share their stories at health fairs and community events. Samantha was predeceased by her father Eddie Nash of Port Gibson, MS and Mother Beulah (Hanna) Nash of Cheraw, SC. She is survived by her children Marquese (Niki) and LaNette Nash. To continually honor her life and legacy; grandchildren Dylan Nash, Sydney Nash, Savannah Nash, and Simone Preston; five brothers Robert L. Hanna (Rosa) of VA, Eddie Stewart Nash (Francinne) of MA, Jonathan Nash (Sandra) of GA, Kriss Nash (Phyllis) of GA and Dennis Nash of CT; two sisters Angela Nash Wade (Melvin) of RI and Betty Hanna of SC; several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; forty- five first cousins and a host of family and friends. Most notably, “The Samantha Nash Scholarship Fund” will be instituted by Covering My Sisters INC to provide higher education scholarships to family members affected by breast cancer. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Sam’s Life Celebration to begin with visiting hours on Saturday December 3, from 11am to 12pm. Service from 12 to 1pm at Bethel AME Church 255 Goffe St New Haven, CT 06511. Repast to follow. Please send all flowers to McClam Funeral Home 95 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven, CT 06511. Donations to be sent in c/o LaNette Nash, P.O.Box 8863 New Haven, CT 06532. or via cashapp to $lanettenash77

Samantha Nash

August 19, 1958 - November 23, 2022