Eleanor Anne Sampsell's Obituary
Eleanor Sampsell was born on February 6th, 1923 in Enid, Oklahoma. Eleanor (or “Lea” as she was known to those close to her) would be the first of a total of 8 children born to John and Christina Semrad. Lea would go on to attend St. Mary’s Academy in Texas, San Diego City College, and would ultimately attend the University of San Diego – USD – where she would obtain certifications for teaching elementary math and Spanish, and for library science. She liked to help people and became involved in Recovery Incorporated, the CYO, and other youth organizations. She became a Catholic grade school teacher, and later on a librarian at both University High School and Kratter Law Library of USD. She got married and settled down in National City, CA. In 1955, she and her husband John W. “Jack” Sampsell adopted a baby girl and named her Lea Anne. They all lived a happy life for many years together. She retired from the workforce in the late 70’s, and would go on to enjoy a full and satisfying life with her kitties and her books. Throughout the course of her life, she enjoyed riding motorcycles, an activity that most people in the time period deemed unfit for a lady. Other hobbies of hers included long-distance bicycling, sewing, painting, and playing her guitar. She liked to listen to music. Her favorites included Jazz and Bob Dylan. She deeply believed in her Catholic faith and was tough and fiercely independent. She cared for her husband Jack during the closing years of his life, and after he passed she cared for herself until no longer able. Her daughter and caretakers took care of her for the remainder of her time here on Earth. We remember her the way she was, full of life and wonder. May she rest in peace.Eleanor is survived by her siblings, Mary Alice Taylor and James Semrad; her only living adult child, Lea Ann Sampsell; and her only grandchild, Sean P. Sampsell (Stephanie).
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