Maria Ilona Sample

Maria Ilona Sample, 62 of West Ashley was welcomed into Heaven on Wednesday morning, June 22nd. She was surrounded by her family, and just as the doors were opened wide to the Stono River letting in the cool tidal breeze, she slipped away peacefully with the sound of her wind chimes and birds chirping in her beloved garden.

Maria was born on February 24, 1954 to a native born German mother and an American serviceman stationed in Regensburg, Germany. She became a US citizen at the age of eighteen. As a child she spoke German, her native language, French and then English. Maria moved back and forth from Germany to the US until age twelve.

Maria attended Abington High School in Philadelphia, PA, where her passion for nursing began when she volunteered as a candy striper at the nearby hospital. She earned her Associate Degree in Nursing at Marymount University in Arlington, VA, and later her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing and Master's of Science in Nursing at The Medical University of South Carolina. Having been a nurse for more than (40) years, Maria held many positions from Operating Room nurse to Center Director of the Roper West Ashley Surgery Center, Center Director of the James Island Surgery Center, Service Line Director of Perioperative Services at the new Roper St. Francis Hospital and most recently Center Director of the Roper St. Francis Eye Center.

Maria loved life. She had her hands in a little bit of everything. She enjoyed walking and biking with Roger. She was an incredible cook with the ability to please even the most sophisticated of palates. She was a talented gardener and loved to watch the wild birds in her backyard invited in by her intricate array of bird houses. Maria and Roger were adventure travelers, visiting Europe almost every year with many trips to her hometown of Regensburg, Germany. A few of their most notable trips included the Sea to Sea, 200 mile walk across England from the Irish to the North Sea, a 500 kilometer bike ride from Ulm to Passau and another from Heidelberg, Germany to Strasbourg, France. Professionally, she was a role model and a mentor to many, and integrity was of utmost importance.

Above all things she enjoyed in life, she was most passionate about her faith in Christ and her devotion to family was paramount. She is survived by the love of her life, husband of (41) years, Roger Sample, (4) beloved daughters, Barbara Kinney of Denver, CO husband Dave; Michelle Bowman, Adams Runs, SC husband Kip; Julie Groves, Charleston, SC husband Eric; Lisa Sample Charleston, SC fiancé Brooks Wharton; stepmother Karen Parr of Fairbanks, AK; eight grandchildren: Lora Romero, Nichelle Kinney, Madison Bowman, Audrey Bowman, Tyler Bowman, Clara Bowman, Cameron Groves and William Groves; and two great grandchildren: Raina Romero and Gianna Romero. Preceded in death by her father Charlie Parr, stepfather James Scruggs, mother Ilona Scruggs, and sister Perri Carlson. Surviving siblings: Holger Vieler, Linda Ward, Gina Cheatham, Charlie Parr, and Chip Parr, along with countless other friends and family whom were blessed to know her.

The family will receive friends Sunday evening June 26, 2016 from 6 PM to 8 PM at the home of Ronnie & David Livingston, 225 Norris Ave, Charleston, SC 29407. The Funeral will be held at her church home, St. Michael's Church, 71 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401 at 11:00 AM Monday June 27, 2016. Immediately following the service Maria will be laid to rest at Old St. Andrews Church, 2604 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shades of Pink Foundation. (www.Shadesofpinkfoundation.org)