Bathurst, NB - Mrs. Debra Sampson, wife of Rev. Glen Sampson, passed away, with her family by her side, on Monday April 4, 2022, at the Chaleur Regional Hospital, Bathurst, at the age of 65.

Born in New Glasgow, NS, and raised in Antigonish, she was the daughter of the late Donald and Rosalie (Holmes) Holmes.

Family was very important to Debbie. Besides her husband, she is survived by five children: Michael Sampson (Rebecca) of Bathurst, Rev. Sarah Thompson (Rev. Andrew) of Dutton, ON, David Sampson (Julia) of Shubenacadie, NS, Rev. Matthew Sampson (Alyssa) of Toronto, ON and Jonathan Sampson (Robin) of Truro, NS. There are nine grandchildren who meant the world to her.

She is also survived by three brothers: Doug Holmes (Marg) and Jim Holmes (Susan) both of Antigonish, NS and Ken Holmes (Sandra) of Truro, NS. as well as several nieces and nephews.

Debbie graduated from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in 1976 and went on to Macdonald College of McGill University to complete a B.Sc. (Agr.) in 1978 and an M.Sc. (Agronomy) in 1987. She worked alongside her husband Glen for many years in Agricultural research. She was an accomplished watercolour artist and pen and ink illustrator. In addition to her paintings, she illustrated 5 agriculturally related books. In 2012, she graduated from Presbyterian College, Montreal, with a Diploma in Lay Leadership and worked in Ministry alongside her husband Glen until her health no longer allowed it.

Debbie loved being on the water, which began at an early age on her father’s boat. Debbie and Glen could often be found along the shore experiencing what the Bay of Chaleur had to offer. Debbie loved music and was an accomplished guitar player and singer. In Truro, she was often found singing at the “Fair Trade Café” and she was always willing to share her gift of music during church services and other church functions.

Debbie was an inspiration to those who knew her because of her humility, her kindness and her courage in facing all challenges she faced in life. She will be remembered as such a sweet, gentle and kind Godly woman. She lived life with a deep and abiding faith and was known for a faith that did not falter in the midst of her challenges. That legacy was passed on to her children. She was known for her hospitality as she was often hosting “tea parties” and preparing meals for small groups and large. She was an active member of several Presbyterian Churches and served a 2-year term as President of the St. Luke’s Auxiliary of the Atlantic Mission Society. She had a love and passion for children & youth and introducing them to Jesus. She would spare no effort in preparing for and reaching out to the youth.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the doctors, nurses and other staff of Chaleur Hospital for the exceptional care she received as a patient there and the care and compassion shown to the family. The family would also like to pass special thanks to her family doctor, Dr. M. A. Doucet for the care for the last number of years and to the staff of the wound care clinic for their care over the years.

A memorial service will be held on Friday April 8, 2022, at 11 a.m. from Elhatton’s Funeral Home Chapel, Bathurst. Funeral service will be held from St. James Presbyterian Church in Truro at a date and time to be announced. Donations in memory of Debra may be made to the St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, St. James Presbyterian Church, Teen Challenge Atlantic (www.tcatlantic.ca) or a favorite charity.

Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton’s Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com) in Bathurst and Mattatall-Varner Funeral Home (www.mattatallvarnerfh.com) in Truro, NS