Samantha A.
Hemenway
Samantha A. Hemenway
Celebration of Life – Saturday March 23, 2024 at Heritage Funeral Home (1901 N. Farwell Ave, Milwaukee). Visitation from 1pm – 2pm with Sharing of Memories to begin at 2pm.
Samantha A. Hemenway, 57, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away in her home on September 7, 2023. Sam will be dearly missed by her family and many, many friends.
Born on July 12, 1966, Sam grew up in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and graduated from Waukesha South High School. She went on to college at UW-Waukesha and spent most of her career as a professional editor. She also earned a certification to teach English as a foreign language, and spent two years teaching in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
In addition to her international travels, Sam moved from Waukesha to Milwaukee, Seattle, and Chicago before returning to Milwaukee to live closer to her dad. Her boundless curiosity and love of books, music, cats, and art led her to build relationships and share knowledge with friends worldwide.
Sam could be counted on to bring her deep knowledge and sharp wit to conversations about anything — history, pop culture, the musical Hamilton, progressive politics, Idris Elba, cats, the back catalog of Queen, bread baking, the history of the British royal family, more cats, knitting, and did we mention Hamilton? Sam always did her research, had her facts straight, and remained true to her convictions. When she was interested in something, she learned it completely, and she’d be overjoyed if you wanted to know, too.
Sam’s loyalty to and love for her friends and chosen family knew no bounds, including her Awesome Dad™ Rick Hemenway, “Lady Mom” Jill Bibler (The Pocket Doctor), and countless friends around the globe, whom she fondly referred to as “the people in my computer.”
She is also survived by her mother, Kathleen Wilcox-Lamboy, half-sister Maya Snowden, uncle David Wilcox and other extended family. She was preceded in death by her grandmother Ethel Wilcox, grandfather Phillip Wilcox, half-brother Brent Rooks, and uncles James and Paul Wilcox.
In memory of Sam, contributions can be made to scarleteen.com and wildcatsanctuary.org.
I was saddened to hear of Sam’s passing. I first met her at Horning Middle School. It was a time I felt lost due to a school transfer. After I met Sam, things weren’t so bad. She was a great friend from then until after high school. I lost track of her in her many moves, but never forgot how she saved me from a very tough time in my life. I consider myself a forever friend no matter the distance or lack of communication. I remember many great days at her home with her dad. She will be terribly missed..
I’m one of the people in the computer. I first met Sam in a listserv for the author Patricia Kennealy-Morrison. I don’t recall exactly how we started chatting outside of that but she had a funny, snarky, and infinitely kind presence. And also: CATS! <3 i was lucky to meet up with her a few times over the years, where she was in person *exactly* the way she was online — full of spark and wit. And grit, for when things went pie-shaped and sideways. I admired her for that.
I miss her.
I'm sending so many hugs to Sam's family and friends, some of whom I was also lucky to meet through her. To Sam's Awesome Dad and Lady Mom, know that she always mentioned you, with so much love.
Hello to all of Sam’s chosen family. I just received this link and proceeded to ugly cry through the last 45 minutes. It was lovely to see Cyn and Kate and Kaari and Sue. Only one of whom I have met face to face. Sam loved her soul sisters dearly, and awesome Dad of course! I am the gal Sue mentioned that was Sam’s most recent work buddy… sister-from-another-mister. And I miss her. Every day I open my work chat and see that she is not there. I was very sorry to miss the gathering but so very grateful that I was able to view it. Thank you all for loving and supporting our beautiful friend. Thank you Sam for always making me laugh, and feel supported and loved. Here’s hoping we will meet again. <3