Nancy R. Samuelson, 83, of Bradenton, Florida, and formerly of Jamestown, NY, passed away on February 27, 2026, at the Tidewell Hospice House in Bradenton, Florida. Born on June 19, 1942, in Jamestown, NY, she was the daughter of Paul R. Samuelson Sr. and Jean Alberta Park Samuelson. Nancy was preceded in death by her mother, Jean Samuelson (who passed away on December 7, 1972), her father, Paul Samuelson (who died on June 14, 1979), her older sister, Ellen Jean Saxton (who passed away on November 9, 1986), and her nephew, Todd Saxton (who died on December 31, 2024).
A proud graduate of the Jamestown High School Class of 1960, Nancy made her mark as a florist at Girtons Flowers and Nelson and Butts Flower Shop in Jamestown before relocating to Florida in 1987. In Florida, she transitioned to a career as a Claims Adjuster at FCCI, where she worked from May 1992 until July 2004. Following her retirement, Nancy enjoyed traveling extensively across the United States, including trips to Alaska and Hawaii, as well as to numerous countries in Europe. Notably, she recently traveled to Scandinavia, exploring her ancestral roots in Sweden and Norway.
A Life Well-Lived
Nancy loved to travel, often embarking on adventures with her sister, Linda Hepler, and sometimes venturing out on her own. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures, including playing the online game June’s Journey and dining out with “The Divas,” a group of friends from her retirement community. Her community involvement extended beyond leisure; she volunteered as an election worker at various elections in Florida and was actively engaged at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.
She is survived by her daughter, Natalie Camarata (Paul) from Centreville, VA; her grandson, Michael Camarata from Fairfax, VA; her granddaughter, Jessica Camarata from Wilmington, NC; her brother, Paul Samuelson (Debbie) from Jamestown, NY; her sister, Linda Hepler; and several nieces and nephews. She was also supported during her illness by her friends, Sandy and Bob Baker from Sarasota, Florida.
Final Arrangements
Nancy will be laid to rest beside her mother at the Sunset Hill Cemetery in Jamestown. A private celebration of life for the family is planned for later this summer. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Tidewell Hospice House or a local animal shelter.
For more details on Nancy’s life and contributions, you can visit the obituary posted here.
The Importance of Volunteering
Nancy’s volunteer work highlights the vital role that community involvement plays in supporting those in need, especially in hospice and grief care. Volunteer workers in these areas are carefully selected and undergo training that prepares them to accompany the seriously ill and dying. They learn about medical and ethical issues and confront their own feelings about death and grief. Their responsibilities may include providing comfort, companionship, and support in various settings—from homes to hospitals and hospices.
Programs like Lacrima offer grief support for children and youth, helping them navigate their feelings after loss by connecting with others who are experiencing similar challenges. Such initiatives are crucial in fostering emotional resilience and healing.
To learn more about volunteering in hospice and grief support, visit here.