Cheryl Madonna (Sampson) Sabine

August 4, 1962- October 23, 2024

It is with broken hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, cherished mother, devoted grandmother, precious daughter, treasured sister, loving aunt, and kind friend on Wednesday, October 23 in the care of Hospice Cape Breton.

Taken far too soon, she leaves a void in our hearts that can never be filled. She was a treasure that we cherished, the heart of our family, a precious gift that we are blessed to have. We will remember her always, her kind and gentle soul, the way she loved us all so deeply, her selflessness, her humor, her smile, her laughter, her hugs, the joy she found in her grandchildren, the peace she found in a walk and in the waves on the shore. Her love will be with us always. She will be loved and missed forever. Heaven has gained the most beautiful angel.

Born on August 4, 1962, in Sydney, NS, she was the first child born into the loving family of Melvyn and Gerry (MacDonald) Sampson. They adored their beautiful little girl; she was the light of their lives. Later came a sister, Cathy, and brother Glenn, whom Cheryl loved dearly. Many adventures they had. So many happy memories they made. Cheryl also spent many happy times with her best friend Cathy (Stanovie)Tiller and cousin Tanya (MacDonald) DesRoches, with whom she remained close all her life. In her youth, Cheryl enjoyed youth group, tennis, singing and playing her guitar, and always treasured annual family vacations to West Point, PEI where she would visit beloved grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles and spend many hours walking on her beach, her happy place. It was in West Point that she met the love of her life, Clay, her soulmate and her rock. They were married June 23, 1984, and had three children whom Cheryl cherished. They built a beautiful life together for forty years and a welcoming home filled with love. In 2017 they were promoted to grandparents. Cheryl shined in her role as “Grammy.” She adored her three precious boys, beautiful girl, and much anticipated and loved “Baby Boy,” whom she tried so fiercely and fought so bravely to try to stay to meet. She said she’ll, “be there with bells on, shining like the sun” when he is born, and we know that she will be. Her grandbabies loved her so much and will forever. They will always know their Grammy. She was the very best.

Her loss has left us heartbroken, our sorrow immeasurable, but how very blessed and lucky we are to have had her for the time that we did. She will never be gone; she will be with us always. We will remember her in the forget-me-nots, in the waves on the shore, in each and every sunset, in the little things that brought her joy.

Cheryl is survived by her loving husband Clay, daughters Laureena (Kevin) Leadbeater, Kendra (Jordan) MacIsaac, son Travis (Lakyn Leudy) Sabine, grandchildren John Owen, Angus, and Archie Leadbeater, Grace MacIsaac, parents Melvyn and Gerry (MacDonald) Sampson, sister Cathy (Michael) MacKenzie, brother Glenn (Karen) Sampson, nieces Faith (Alex) McCloskey, Maria MacKenzie, nephews Reilly and Jakob MacKenzie, and Joshua Sampson.

She was predeceased by her grandparents Ernest and Beatrice (Bulger) MacDonald, Charles and May Belle (MacKillop) Sampson, uncles Lindy, Owen, and Gordon MacDonald, Wayne Sampson, and aunts Phosie Carruthers and Daisy Young.

A private family viewing will be held. Family, loved ones, and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, East Bay at 10:00 am on Tuesday, October 29 with a reception to follow at East Bay Fire Hall.

We wish to express our deepest thanks to all the doctors, nurses, staff, and volunteers who helped Cheryl and our family throughout her illness. You are truly amazing people. Special thanks to the staff at An Cala Palliative Care Unit and Hospice Cape Breton for taking such loving care of her, we can’t tell you how much it meant to us all. We also wish to express our deepest thanks to all those who sent food, thoughts, prayers, and love during this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cheryl’s memory to the An Cala Palliative Care Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital and Hospice Cape Breton. You can also remember her by spending precious time with your family, by going for a walk on the beach, or enjoying the sunset. She would like that.

“Sometimes love will bloom in the springtime

Then like flowers in summer it will grow

And then fade away in the winter

When the cold winds begin to blow

But when it's evergreen, evergreen

It will last through the summer and winter too

When love is evergreen, evergreen

Like my love for you”