Sharon Elizabeth Sampite

Sharon Elizabeth Sampite’, 48, passed away peacefully Saturday, July 4, 2009 at her residence in Natchitoches, Louisiana surrounded by family. She met the end of her life with serenity and trust in the Lord. It was Sharon's wish, conveyed to her family and friends, that those who knew and loved her remember her with a celebration of life. The remembrance will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, August 1st at the Natchitoches Events Center. Survivors include her children, John and Allison Van Hoof; her father, Joseph Sampite’, brother Chris Sampite’ and wife Daphne, sister Michaela Sampite’ and sister Sheila Sampite’ Hardin and husband Alan, along with nephews Michael Sampite’, Ryan Sampite’ and Daniel Hardin. She was preceded in death by her mother, Hazel Barnes Sampite’. Sharon was born April 1961 in Shreveport, Louisiana. She graduated from Natchitoches Central High School in 1979 and earned degrees from Northwestern State University in computer information systems in 1985 and business administration in 1986. Sharon worked for over 15 years in the investment and insurance industry before coming to Northwestern State University, where she served as assistant director of Institutional Advancement and the NSU Foundation. Sharon was actively involved in numerous community and service organizations, holding offices in many of them. They include the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, Natchitoches Rotary, D.O.V.E.S., Les Amies Service Organization, Business and Professional Women, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Foundation, The Service League of Natchitoches, Dixie Youth Softball/Baseball, the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches, Natchitoches Jazz/R & B Festival, Natchitoches Christmas Festival, NSU Athletic Auction, Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society, American Heart Association, Krewe of Dionysos, and Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority Alumni. She was also active in many other charitable and civic endeavors. Following her diagnosis with cancer in 2006, Sharon was instrumental in organizing area cancer outreach and support groups to other cancer patients; providing them with encouragement, hope and compassion. Due to her unending support of the community, June 9, 2009, was proclaimed as Sharon Sampite’ Day in the city of Natchitoches. Sharon was an inspiration to many for her grace, courage, and optimism, living her life as a reflection of her faith and spirituality. The family wishes to thank Dr. Patrick Connor, Dr. Ricky Owers, along with the nurses, pharmacists and staff at the Christus Schumpert Cancer Treatment Center, Hospice of Natchitoches, and the nurses and staff at the Northwest Louisiana Cancer Center. Further thanks are extended to President Dr. Randall J. Webb, NSU Office of Alumni Affairs, the entire NSU community, Natchitoches Mayor Wayne McCullen and the Natchitoches City Council. A very special thank you to all of Sharon's friends and caregivers who offered their love, care, thoughts and prayers over the years and especially in her last days; we truly appreciate you! In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to make memorial contributions to two Northwestern scholarships established by Sharon. The Sharon Sampite’, John and Allison Van Hoof Educational Scholarship can be supported through the NSU Foundation, Office of Alumni and Development, Natchitoches, LA 71497. The Sampite’ Family Baseball Scholarship can be supported through the NSU Athletic Association, Athletic Fieldhouse, Natchitoches, Louisiana, 71497.