With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Samantha Jo Johansen of Pembroke Pines, Florida, born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who passed away on December 6, 2020 at the age of 37. Samantha was born on March 14, 1983, in Ft. Lauderdale, one of two daughters born to Donald and Bobbie Seidman.
Samantha had a beautiful childhood and a truly lovely life. In April 2016, she revealed that she was pregnant. Samantha had been praying for a baby for years and watching her little belly grow and the joy she exuded in talking about being a mom. Then finally, on November 4, 2016, Frederick “Knox” Johansen was born. It was the most precious day of her life.
But following Knox’s birth, symptoms and pains associated with pregnancy didn’t go away as expected. The day before Thanksgiving Day, Samantha was in excruciating back pain. The doctor said it was a kidney infection and sent her home with antibiotics. But the pain didn’t go away. She was then referred to a gastroenterologist, who ordered an immediate CT scan and colonoscopy. On December 14, 2016 the doctor gave her the news that she Stage IV Colorectal Cancer with metastasis to her liver. Words were spoken in tears for the following few days.
The doctors didn’t originally predict she would make it past the first few months, so there’s the first of many blessings through this very dark season. She spent more than 120 nights in the hospital, underwent 5 major surgeries, lost half her body weight, had a temporary ileostomy, acquired a pump the size of a hockey puck in place of her gallbladder, tried 5+ types of chemo, received countless blood transfusions, went to the hospital for fluids 3 days a week, flew to NYC once a month for treatment, received 15 rounds of radiation and was in pain both physically and emotionally, all while trying to navigate being a new mom. Fortunately she was able to spend extra special time with Knox – taking him to Disney World, the zoo, birthday parties, the park, going on mile long walks, teaching him his name and age – among many other things. Thankfully due to the power of prayer, incredible doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Miami Cancer Institute and her incredible support system, she remained strong and encourage.
She will always be remembered as the gorgeous, smart, funny, loving, resilient, wonderful, and strong woman she was. She will be missed dearly but her light will shine upon us for ever.
Samantha was loved and cherished by many people including : her son Knox Johansen; her parents, Donald A. Seidman and Bobbie Jean Seidman; her sister Sabrina Seidman; her grandmother Etta Jo Bass; her cousins, Charlie Bass (Julie), Ron Bass, Jennifer Escobedo (Leo), Ally Escobedo, Josie Escobedo and Logan Escobedo; her aunt Louise VanValkenburgh (Billy); and her uncle Sheldon Seidman; and many of her friends whom she considered family.
The Celebration of Life for our sweet angel will be on Sat. 12/12 at 7pm EST. Sadly we have to keep the ceremony private due to Covid-19 restrictions but please join us on YouTube and FB live to experience the light and beauty her soul created in the world. Jesus continues to be our only hope to keep on living after such a tragic loss. It was by His strength that Sam was able to keep living and hold tight to her strong faith even while staring death in the face for 4 long years. Lord help us be more like Sam and like Jesus.
Arrangements entrusted to Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, 1600 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024.
Paul Bernis
December 9, 2020, 12:47 am
Samantha was my student in 6th grade. She was a joy to be around with a wonderful spirit. We are so sorry to hear of her passing. We know that she fought cancer with all she had. Her family was so nice to know. Bobbie is dear to our hearts as are Don and Sabrina.
Paul Bernis
December 9, 2020, 1:54 am
Samantha will be missed by those of us who knew her. She had a great way about her. She came from a loving and supportive family. We are sending our thoughts and prayers.
Gloria Sekowski
December 9, 2020, 3:25 am
Our children are gifts from God that we only borrow. We must remember that we are all here for God’s purpose. Samantha lived her life as a strong, dedicated Christian woman and left for each of us a shining example of a God centered life. May we all share her story so that others can find strength during life’s challenges. God has taken this beautiful child home, but let’s not despair. Samantha is reveling in her reward and we can honor her by following her lead and not dwelling on the negative but embracing the opportunity to let God shine. Even though Samantha is no longer with us, we can honor her by sharing in her spirit and love of the Lord.
Carol Palmer
December 9, 2020, 5:19 pm
Oh Bobbie I am so saddened to learn that Samantha lost her battle to cancer!! My heart is broken thinking about your loss!!!! I will continue to be a warrior against cancer while keeping her memory alive!! Please know that you are a dear friend and that I will keep you and your family in my constant thoughts and prayers!!!! Sending you God’s Blessings and Love,
Carol Palmer
Stephanie Pawlikowski-Sandler
December 9, 2020, 9:07 pm
Dear Sabrina and family,
I want to send my deepest condolences on the loss of your sister, daughter, mother. Your grief must be unbearable, but at the same time knowing that she is with our Savior in peace should provide comfort.
I truly believe your sister’s life had a greater purpose and that was to bring others to and renew faith in God.
Sabrina, I worked with you in California in Internal Medicine and I recall fondly the time you invited me to attend breakfast and church one weekend. I may have not said anything, but it was a time when I really needed that moment.
Although we went our separate ways due to life, careers, I have never forgotten your kindness and how much fellowship meant to me in my spiritual time of need.
I was very saddened when I had learned about your sister’s circumstance and even though I have never had the honor to meet her, her story strengthened and solidified my faith, at a time when it was faltering. I was rooting for your sister and hoped so much for her to heal.
Please know your sister touched many hearts and through her battle not only led others to God but has gotten others to continue in their relationship. That is the biggest gift anyone could ever give.
She truly was an angel sent on a mission from God.
John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Graciela Forte
December 16, 2020, 3:43 pm
Graciela A. Forte
Such a beautiful loving family. Samantha what a lovely beautiful girl,daughter, mother. She will always live in our hearts. Peace love and strength for the family and friends. The memories we make is all we take. God bless, love always. From Gracie and family.