February 27, 2024
In loving memory ~
Samantha Kosty passed away on February 27th, 2024, holding the hand of her eldest granddaughter. Although she had an incredible enthusiasm for life, it was Sam's time to go, and she did so only after displaying the self-determination and strength she was always known for. Sam was a great lover of art and music and played too many games of Mexican Train to count. She enjoyed hiking and gardening, and loved to travel and explore, never afraid to try something new. Perhaps her greatest adventure was the twenty years she spent in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. Every year, twice a year, she drove the 4,000 kilometers down the coast of the United States and the Baja to her home, Casa Colibri or "The Hummingbird House", and back again to spend the summers in Vernon.
She was the definition of an independent woman, and although she was well into her 60's and 70's by then, each year she would pack up her Jeep and her cocker spaniel (Bailey, Brewster, and finally Penny), stopping to see friends and family along the way. Sam always had the innate ability to make connections wherever she went, and her community in Mexico was a testament to how cherished she was. She worked to help families better their living conditions and volunteered her time for various causes, including the rescue of stray animals.
Sam was passionate about many things, but she especially loved feeding her friends and family; from homemade pickles and cabbage rolls, to knowing the best apples to use for pie, she had a wealth of knowledge and made sure that no one ever left her table hungry. She was fierce, vibrant, and unapologetically herself, never leaving the house without her signature orange nail polish and a tube of lipstick. Sam will be remembered for her beautiful laugh, incredible sense of style, and adventurous spirit.
Samantha is survived by her son Jeffrey Rudeloff; her daughter Sabrina Lear; her son-in-law Richard Santos; her daughter-in-law Sherri McLennan and daughter-in-law Lisa Holmes; her granddaughters, Madison Heglund (Alex Heglund), Tayler Rudeloff (Kevin Kaizer), Georgia Rudeloff (Patrick McMillan), and Mercedes Rudeloff; and her great grandchildren, Bowen Heglund, Emme Heglund, Lotte Heglund, Charlie Kaizer, and Colt Kaizer. She is predeceased by her daughter Lisa Santos; son Troy Rudeloff; son Chuck Rudeloff, and daughter-in-law Marlene Rudeloff. A celebration of life for Sam will be held at a later date.