Breaux Bridge - Cynthia Potier Sam, 52, peacefully began her journey to eternal life on Friday, September 20, 2013 surrounded by those who love her, family members and close friends.
Cynthia was born March 9, 1961, in Breaux Bridge, La. She is the youngest of three children born to Clarence and Ceola Broussard Potier. She spent her formative years in the Breaux Bridge and Lafayette area graduating from Breaux Bridge High School in 1979 and subsequently earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana Lafayette) in 1983. She also attended law school at the Southern University Law Center.
Cynthia was a devoted parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Breaux Bridge where she volunteered as a Catechist (CCD instructor).
In 1982 Cynthia met Earl J. Sam; they were married in 1986 after which she joined him and took up residence in Fredericksburg, Va. where she remained his devoted companion, friend, and spiritual partner for more than 27 years until her death. Cynthia and Earl are the parents of Nicolas and Briana Sam.
In Fredericksburg, Cynthia gave back to the community as a Hospice Support Volunteer providing services to the terminally ill and their families. As a member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, she volunteered as CCD prayer helper and prayed for others by participating in the prayer tree. Cynthia worked as a paralegal until 2000 when she was forced to confront breast cancer and the debilitating, painful and permanent side effects from treatments. Cynthia courageously, without complaint or despair, faced each new health challenge including constant pain and the return of cancer four times over the next 13 years. A lifelong devoted Catholic, she hoped that through her love for God and others, never wavering faith, strength, and acceptance of her suffering, she would be an inspiration to others and help draw them closer to God. Her mission in life was to make a difference in the lives of others; mission accomplished.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 28 at a 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Breaux Bridge, La. Interment will be in St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery. The Rev. Joseph Campion, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, will officiate at the services.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed on Friday 4:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. and will continue on Saturday from 7 am until 10 a.m. The rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. on Friday in the funeral home.
She is survived by her husband Earl J. Sam, her son Nicolas E. Sam and daughter Briana A. Sam all of Fredericksburg, Virginia; her sister Rose Mary (Marie) Davis (Richard Isaac Davis) of Breaux Bridge; father-in-law Gilbert Sam, Jr. of Breaux Bridge; brother-in-law Ronald J. Sam (Jennifer Sam) of Lafayette, La.; sister-in-law Shayna Sam; nieces, Britanny Sam, Ceola M. Potier, Heather Sam and Ikeisha Davis; nephew Jarred Sam and great-nephew Ashtyn K. Henry.
Cynthia was preceded in death by her mother Ceola B. Potier, father Clarence Potier, brother Clayton Potier, mother-in-law Enola C. Sam and Brother-in-law Kevin A. Sam.
Pellerin Funeral Home, 211 Berard St., Breaux Bridge, LA 70517, (337.332.2199), is in charge of arrangements.
To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and view video tribute, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com
