Obituary of Jane Free Sampson

Jane Free Sampson, 94 years of age, most recently residing in Austin, Texas, formerly of 624 Ravencrest Road, Pittsburgh, PA, died peacefully on August 15, 2019. 

Jane was born in Greensburg and spent the majority of her life raising her three children in O’Hara Township.  She was ordained as a Presbyterian Elder in 1979 and served as moderator of the Pittsburgh Presbytery in 1985.  She and her husband, Robert of 64 years, who preceded her in death in 2015, were active members of the Central Presbyterian Church in Austin Texas, East Liberty Presbyterian Church, and Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh. 

As a couple, they worked tirelessly to support societies less privileged individuals through their work in soup kitchens, food pantries, men’s shelters, and were co-founders of the Good Samaritan services at East Liberty Presbyterian Church.  In 2004, they were recognized as Community Champions and received the Mary Rieger-Chislaghi Friend of the Poor award for Outstanding Commitment, Dedication, and service to the Community.

Jane was a lifelong sports fan, particularly the Penn State Nittany Lions, Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers, following in the footsteps of her father, Spencer Michael Free, Sr.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Robert Sampson and her parents, Spencer Michael Free and Jeanne Hunter Free.

She is survived by her son, Robert and his wife Debra; daughters Virginia Sampson and Barbara Quick; brother, Spencer Michael Free and his wife Pat; grandchildren: Jennifer Jerman, Spencer Sampson, Eliza Ornelas, Gerrit Wheeler, Katherine Dalman, Rebecca Sampson; and great grandchildren Savannah, Noah, and Sydney Jerman, Cora and Hunter Dalman.

A memorial service is being planned for the spring of 2020 at East Liberty Presbyterian Church.