Juliana Samsa

December 6, 1954 to April 25, 2020

Juliana Samsa, 65, of Bessemer passed away peacefully at her home after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on April 25, 2020. Born on Dec. 6, 1954, in New Castle, she was a daughter of the late Vladimir "Sam" and Martha Pusnik Samsa.

Julie was a 1973 graduate of Mohawk Junior/Senior High School in Bessemer and devoted her life to caring for others. Before realizing her calling as a nurse, she attended Youngstown State University, majoring in art. Julie was very crafty and enjoyed making special presents for her family, including Christmas stockings for her entire family that they lovingly displayed every year. She enjoyed refinishing furniture and decorating her home. In her early years, she loved to decorate and make bows for St. Anthony/Christ the King Parish, now a part of Holy Spirit Parish in Bessemer, where she was a lifelong member.

She graduated from New Castle Vocations School as an LPN. She enjoyed 33 years as an LPN and a nurse assessment coordinator at The Grove at New Wilmington. During her time at The Grove, she grew close with many patients and co-workers through the years. Julie loved watching movies, reading and doing puzzles. She was an avid fan of all Pittsburgh sports, but most of all she enjoyed watching her grandchildren play.

Julie is survived by her two daughters, Aislynn Rich and her husband, Michael, of Edinburg and Jaimee Ambrose and her husband, Matthew, of Center Township. She is the proud grammy of six grandchildren, Vincent, Anton, Braddock, Juliana "JuJu", Lydia and Ellie. She is also survived by three amazing sisters, Carol Jurich and her husband, Ted, of Springfield, Ohio, Joyce Silhanek and her husband, Randy, and Maryann Weber and her husband, David; and her cousin, Patty and her husband, Jim, all of Bessemer. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Due to the current health crisis within our community, the service for the family will be private. A Memorial Mass and celebration will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Terry A. Cunningham Funeral Home. Burial will be at St. Anthony Cemetery, Bessemer.

Lord God, you are attentive to the voice of our pleading. Give Juliana eternal rest, O Lord, and may your light shine on her forever. Let us find in your Son comfort in our sadness, certainty in our doubt, and courage to live through this hour. Make our faith strong through Christ our Lord.  Amen.