Obituary of Sheila Rae Samarzia

Sheila Rae Samarzia, 83, of Duluth, MN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 17, 2020, at St. Luke’s Hospital under hospice care.

Sheila was born in Duluth, MN, on February 26, 1937, to Axel and Ethel (Johnson) Olson. She grew up in Norton Park and attended Norton Park United Methodist Church. She graduated from Wanner’s Beauty School of Culture, obtaining her Cosmetology operator’s license. She worked as a beautician for Edna’s Beauty Salon and was also a homemaker.

Sheila married the love of her life, Anton (Tony) Samarzia, on May 9, 1959, and they raised 3 children in Morgan Park. They enjoyed camping, making the holidays special, and visiting with family and friends. They were members of the former Riverview UMC, where Sheila helped serve at the many church dinners. They celebrated 34 years of marriage until Tony’s sudden death in 1993.

Family was important to Sheila and raising her children was her greatest joy. She loved her home and enjoyed reading on her deck, watching the Hallmark movies, and staying active and busy. She especially enjoyed her weekly trips to Miller Hill Mall using the DTA (and she continued this until her move to Edgewood Assisted Living in 2018). Sheila loved her grandchildren and was the happiest when spending time with them. She was a kind, loving Mother and Grandmother and will be greatly missed for her unconditional love, laughter, positive outlook (It’ll all work out), and her caring nature by always asking what’s new, listening attentively, and sharing in your happiness. Her grandchildren will remember her as loving, adorable, hilarious, sweet, fun, witty, best grandma ever. A sister-in-law will remember her as never saying an unkind word about anyone and always being a lady.

Sheila was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter Sharon (Samarzia) Medved; brothers Roy, Robert, Howard, and Edward; and brothers-in-law George Samarzia, Joseph (June) Samarzia, John Samarzia, and Rudolph (Betty) Samarzia.

Sheila is survived by her son Steven; daughter Karen (Robert) Glowacki; grandchildren Matthew Glowacki, Gina Glowacki, Kristina (Jarrett) Androski, and Derek Medved; sisters-in-law Ann Olson, Marilyn Olson, Mary Samarzia, and Kay Samarzia; and many nieces and nephews.

The family extends a sincere thank you to the St. Luke’s hospice team/nurses for their compassionate care.

A private family service was held due to Covid. A celebration of life for Sheila will be held at a later date for family and close friends. Sheila was laid to rest next to her beloved husband at Oneota Cemetery. Arrangements by First Memorial Funeral Center.