Barbara A. Sample, age 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Barbara was predeceased in death by her loving husband Charles S. Sample. She was also predeceased by her first husband, the late Edward L. Walsh, Sr.
Barabara was born on March 29, 1942, in Providence, RI, to the late Raymond and Louise (Clough) Bessette. She graduated from Cranston East High School and the former Rhode Island Hospital School of Nursing, class of 1963. She began her nursing career as a surgical nurse at the Jane Brown unit of Rhode Island Hospital. After raising her 5 children, she returned to nursing at Rhode Island Renal Institute (formerly Fresenius) in Warwick, RI. She earned her advanced certification in Nephrology Nursing at 64 years of age. Barbara was a member of the former Rhode Island Hospital School of Nursing alumni association and enjoyed the camaraderie with her group of nursing friends over the years.
Barbara was an avid fan of the New England sports teams. She was a true “hockey Mom” and attended practices, games and tournaments all over New England.
She and Charlie enjoyed simple pleasures in life such as sitting at The Inn at Castle Hill watching boats go by and making frequent trips “to the mall”.
Barbara was happiest to have her family over for any and all occasions. She hosted a fabulous Christmas Day brunch! A tradition we proudly carry on.
Barbara is survived by her brother, Raymond B. Bessette and his wife Kathy Bessette of Pawtucket, RI. Daughters Mary-Ellen (Raleigh) Jenkins, Christine (Michael) Iadevaia and sons Larry Sample and wife Jen Charleson of Barrington, RI and Chuck Sample of Warwick, RI. Also survived by her daughters-in-law Karen Emma and Tracy Walsh.
Grandchildren, Lauren, Taylor, Amanda, Cole, Cameron, Tyler and Eddie.
Great grandchildren, Lucas, Wyatt, Finleigh and Ocean and soon to join us, Quincy.
Besides her parents, Barbara is predeceased by her son Edward L. Walsh, Jr., and grandson Alexander Jenkins and her brother Donald J. Bessette.
Barbara’s family would like to thank staff at West Shore Health Center and Continuum Health & Hospice for their care and compassion during Barbara’s stay.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Friday, March 21, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. in the Barrett and Cotter Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in St. Kevin’s Church, 333 Sandy Lane, Warwick. Burial in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter, RI.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to A Wish Come True, 6 Jefferson Drive, Coventry, RI or online at awish.org
