Samantha Irene Heesch

Dear Family, Friends, Communities of Newton, Indiana University, New York City, Mason Frank, and anybody who had the honor and privilege of meeting, knowing, or loving Sam Heesch:

With the deepest sorrow we share news of Samantha’s peaceful passing on February 28th, 2024 while visiting family in Florida. Sam had a plaque focus (100% clogged artery) in the left anterior coronary artery and passed away as a result of sudden cardiac arrest – a silent genetic condition that went unnoticed throughout her entire life.

Encapsulating the essence of Sam's remarkable spirit within mere sentences would be a disservice to the profound impact she had on all those whose lives she touched and to the larger-than-life human that she was. As we collectively mourn together and lean on each other for support, a resounding word emerges frequently – “glue”.

That is because Sam was more than a beautiful, fearless, loyal, selfless, funny and intelligent young woman, she was the common thread that bound together a tapestry of diverse individuals, transcending boundaries of age, social circles, personalities, geographical locations, and professional pursuits. Sam created a space for people to connect, empathize and encouraged them to unequivocally be themselves – whatever that meant to them. Like “glue”, she stuck by her loved ones through the best and worst of times – her love knew no bounds. Nobody could be a stranger to Sam, in her presence, everyone was family.

In her unwavering commitment to uplift others and to put others before herself, she served as a steadfast confidante both to those she kept closest and to those she just met. She worked as a counselor at the Cambridge Eating Disorder Center, where she helped young girls recover and gain resilience, empowered young professionals to pursue fulfilling careers and endlessly advocated for mental health awareness in personal conversations, online, and through her fundraising efforts. She was the best of all of us in every way.

A testament to her loyalty and fearlessness, Sam moved to New York City with her older sister in 2021 where – without knowing what life in the Big Apple would hold – she fearlessly embraced the unknown, opened up her heart to new adventure, savoring novel experiences and saying yes. She ate new food, visited new places, made new friends, reconnected with old ones, and became the go-to person for anybody who needed a shoulder to cry on, somebody to laugh with, or to share a warm smile.

We will forever have a Sam-shaped hole in our hearts, but intend to donate the proceeds to the charities that were close to hers to further her purpose in Samantha’s memory. We couldn’t have asked for a more special daughter, granddaughter, sister, sister-in-law, or friend.

Although the pain her family and friends are feeling is unbearable, Sam would remind us that we must look ahead to tomorrow, the next day, and the one after that. Until her very last day, Sam was -- in her own words -- getting busy living. We intend to carry on her light and memory by doing the same. We love you forever, Sam.

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SAMANTHA HEESCH'S OBITUARY

CELEBRATION OF LIFE EVENT: All are welcome to come celebrate the enormous impact Sam made on the world in 26 short years. Please find information about the event to celebrate her life on March 24th and RSVP by March 21st for an approximate headcount at the following link: https://pp.events/samantha-irene-heesch

**please note that this is not an invite only event – all those who cared for and loved Sam are welcome to attend.

While there was nothing to be done about Samantha’s genetic condition, others can take steps to prevent such a tragedy from occuring in their family. Genetics can be an invisible adversary, silently harboring the potential for life-altering consequences. Samantha's journey exemplifies how even in the absence of overt symptoms, underlying genetic factors can manifest as ticking time bombs, imperceptibly counting down to profound tragedy. If you are genetically pre-disposed to any condition or have lost any loved ones to any health related illness, whether it be of the heart, liver, lungs, etc -- regardless of if you have symptoms or not -- get tested. Go to see your doctor and please get checked. Testing is time and money, but it could just save your or that of a loved one's life.

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“The good die young, they say. They go quicker than we could ever anticipate, they don’t just leave, it seems; they vanish, they show us love, its heights and depths, and the next moment, we are wondering why we are experiencing infinite joy on our own. … They have lived a complete life and your responsibility is not to figure out how to resurrect their memories, but to apply the lessons they have taught you. They passed over because they have finished equipping you with everything you need to know to live an abundant, meaningful, and impactful life. It is now your duty to pick up their torch of knowledge, and lead people down the trials of truth that they have so bravely blazed. Then, you will realize they have not left you. They are still here, in the form of a guardian angel.”