Samantha Rose Whitaker
Samantha Rose Whitaker, 37, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026. She was surrounded by her family and the love of all who knew her, which is how she lived every moment of her life.
Born on October 6, 1988, in Syracuse, New York, Samantha was the youngest daughter of the forever-proud Daniel (Dan) and Margaret (Peggy) Whitaker and the beloved younger sister of Sarah and Liza. Samantha graduated from Auburn High School in 2006 and Siena College in 2010. After graduating from college, she began her career in sales in Boston, MA. She later moved to Charlotte, NC, where she built a successful career in talent acquisition. While Samantha was an accomplished professional, her relationships were her highest achievement.
Whether she was planning a family gathering, organizing an outing with friends, or simply showing up for the people she loved, Samantha made everyone around her feel valued and celebrated. She was the first person to pick up the phone to check on someone and the last to leave when others were in need. Her gift was making people feel the love, whether a lifelong friend or a stranger she’d just met. Her daily phone calls and texts, big hugs, and infectious laughter will leave an unwavering presence with all who knew her.
Samantha never missed an opportunity to spoil her nieces with love, encouragement, and fun. Being “Aunt Sisi” to Leona and Willa was one of her greatest joys. She was present for every milestone, event, and girls’ day. Her nieces, godchildren, and adults alike looked up to her as a role model, a confidant, and a constant source of comfort.
Samantha found joy in life’s simple pleasures, singing along to country music, catching up on her favorite shows, and cheering on New York sports teams, and loved sharing those moments with family and friends. She is survived by her parents, Dan and Peggy Whitaker; her sisters, Sarah Whitaker Wetherbee (Stephen) and Liza Whitaker; her cherished nieces, Leona Faye and Willa June Wetherbee; many extended family members; and countless friends who became family.
No matter where her adventures took her, Samantha’s heart and home was always in Auburn, New York. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at calling hours held at Langham Funeral Home LLC, 48 South St, Auburn, NY on Wednesday, July 8 from 3 PM to 6 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 9 at 10 AM at St. Alphonsus Church.
In lieu of flowers, the Whitaker family kindly asks that donations be made in Samantha's memory to the American Heart Association. The family also encourages CPR/AED certification as a meaningful way to honor her life and help others in times of emergency. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Samantha Rose Whitaker, please visit our floral store.