It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Veronice Sampson, aged 80 on July 29, 2026 at the Kirkland & District Hospital.
A tribute to Mom.
My mom was a kind person, gregarious, easy to get along with, easy to laugh. She accepted people for who they were no matter what the lifestyle, she believed a person had a right to be happy. Growing up, our house was the hub for my girlfriends every weekend. She never complained about how our one bathroom was full of girls, curling irons and makeup, the countless broken wine glasses and music. It was the opposite, all were welcomed and on occasion my mom and dad would play guitar and they would get my friends to sing along. The door was always open. If there was a gathering, it was often at our home. She didn't have the easiest life but she worked hard and persevered through some extremely difficult times.
She was born in July of 1946, the 12th and final child to Rae and Jack Sampson in Kirkland Lake. Grandpa had been born in Newfoundland and Mom was a proud Newfie. She would often tell me with a little proud smiile that her Dad always called her the baby. Growing up in Cheminis, life was not always the easiest, she learned about hard work early on. She had the greatest love for her siblings. Growing up I had the luxury of countless visits with many Aunts, Uncles and tons of cousins. So many cherished memories that comes with having a large family. Three of her siblings had died young, Mickey, Jackie, and Ellen. Four sisters died in later years, Rae, Monica, Hazel and Frances. Four siblings remain after her death, Bernie, Gordie, Peter and Mary. She felt those deaths deeply and would often share stories with me through tears of how much she missed them.
She married my father Rene Rainville Sr. in 1963 and had two children. When my father severely injured his back early in their marriage my mother became the breadwinner of the family. She got a job at the Ministry of Natural Resources, working there for 20 years as a crew boss, making life long friends in the process. It was gruelling work and left its mark on moms health for the rest of her life. At the age of 39, she was widowed when my father drowned at the fishing derby in 1985. Tragedy happens she would say, then she caried on with life as she had to support her family.
She met Bill Cox and they were together for 25 years. They lived in Sudbury for a while but ended up back in KL for Billy's work. During this time they took charge of their three grandchildren, ages 5,4, and 2 with the youngest having a disablity. My mom didn't hesitate to take them. She and Billy raised those kids and gave them all the love and support that they had. She thought of those children as her own and vice versa, always calling her Mom. In 2010, tragedy struck again when Billy had a massive heart attack and died at the age of 58. Mom was once again widowed at 64. She never remarries. For her, Bill was it. I often asked if she was going to find me another dad, hopeful for her so she wouldn't have to be alone but she said she was done with that. In 2016, just six short years after losing Bill, we lost Samantha to an aggresive form of Leukemia. My mother was just devastated. She never got over it. Sammy was only 26.
Mom found companionship and friendship at the Legion. Being a member and serving on the executive. She would dontate many hours selling tickets and 50/50, offering a helping hand any way that she could. She relished her time there, it was her life. It gave her a purpose right up to the end. I am forever gratelul for the people she met there. Kind, loving and supportive are a few words to describe how special these people are. They were there in my moms hour of need and they kept showing up. Thank you all so very much.
Also a huge thank you to the Nursing staff of the Kirkland Lake & District hospital for providing my mother with loving care during her 6 week stay. Thank you Dr. Kurki. Thank you for offering excellent and attentive care to my Mother, we will never forget you. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Palliative Care Unit. You can call the foundation office to get more information on how to donate at 1-705-567-5251 ex 2516
At the time of her death she is survived by her children. Bridget Battistoni(Andy), Rene Rainville Jr. Five Grandchildren, Michael Rainville(Chelsea), Joshua Rainville, Kaitlin Bond(Ricky), Jessie Bond and Raven Bond. Two step grandchildren, Liana Whissel(Zack) and Aaron Gilbert(Dilyn). Seven great grandchildren, Lincoln, Acadia, Hunter, Ivory, Jaxson, Vienna and Beckett. Along with her siblings and countless neices and newphews who adored her. She is predeceased by her parents Jack & Rae(Brooks) Sampson, husband Rene Rainville Sr. Partner, Bill Cox. Granddaughter Samantha Rainville
A celebrtion of life will held in the main hall at the Kirkland Lake Legion on Saturday, August 29. 1-5pm.
Sympathy Messages
Dearest Bridget, Andy and to your family.
Please accept our sincere condolences, on the death of your beloved mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. xo🙏🫠💞🫂💙
- Billy and Marybeth Hickey, on
August 5, 2026
Veronica, a woman with a big smile, big voice and even bigger heart. I will forever remember our friendship, your kindness and your love for life. Your generosity with everything you involved yourself with, will be your legacy. The Legion lost a big part of themselves when you left this world. Know you’ll be missed by all have the pleasure of knowing you. RIP Veronica. Please say hello to Billy (Vasha) as Wayne loved referring to him. 🙏🙏
- Joanne Lebitt, on
August 5, 2026
Bridget, Rene, family and friends
My deepest condolences. I always thought of your mom as the "cool" mom. She always made time to talk when I saw her. May she rest in peace.
- Kathleen Doonan, on
August 5, 2026
Veronica was indeed a Newfie, a very wonderful welcoming lady, We were blessed to have ment with her, she is finaly taking a break, feet up, she will be missed.
- Brian P. Culhane, on
August 5, 2026
Please accept my deepest condolences! I met Veronica many years ago when we were both working at KDH. Always enjoyed running into her in the stores and at the Legion. Such a kind lady always willing to help! She will be so missed. Rest easy Veronica
- Joanne & Bruce McDonald , on
August 5, 2026
So very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to your MOM, Bridget ❤️
- Jan Gaughan, on
August 6, 2026
Very sorry to hear of Veronica's passing. The Legion will definitely miss her. Condolences to her family and close friends.
May my support warm your heart
- Charlene Owen , on
August 6, 2026
I only got to meet Aunt Veronica a handful of times in my life but do know that my Nan (Frances) talked highly and enthusiastically of her always. My most memorable time with her was when she came to camp for a few days when i was a teenager, her aunt rae, aunt mary and uncle bernie, we had a blast and i got to hear stories of a time i could of never imagined. Wish i had a way to record that back then. it would of been a treasure to have in these moments. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. May see be at peace in the arms of the Lord.
May my support warm your heart
- Frances Seeley (Kutcher), on
August 6, 2026
Our deepest condolences to Veronica's family. Truly a very special lady. R.I.P.
May my support warm your heart
- Louise & Ron Carson, on
August 6, 2026
Aunt Veronica was always a dedicated woman. For her family and everyone she met. She was the strongest example of compassion and love I ever experienced as a child. As difficult as her loss is to all of us we reflect on the awesome life she had. No matter what life hit her with she moved on and remained positive. Her family was always a blessing through hard times and good times Aunt Veronica was supportive to them all to lift them up. That is a beautiful legacy. Thank you for this beautiful tribute. ❤️ Marlene
- Marlene Kutcher and family., on
August 6, 2026
To the family and friends, sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you all.
- Darren Phillips, on
August 6, 2026
Absolutely beautifully written, just as Auntie lived her life ❤️
May my support warm your heart
- Kelvin Wright, on
August 6, 2026
My condolences to family
She was a very loving woman
She will be missed
- Amanda , on
August 6, 2026
So sorry to hear this . Condolences and hugs to all . Your mom was a lovely person always asking about my family when she would see me. The Legion will surely miss her as well so helpful always. Thinking of you all at this time.
May my support warm your heart
- Lorrie Brough , on
August 6, 2026
Bridget,
What a beautiful tribute to your mom. She always bragged about you. Auntie Veronica was a loving and caring woman with a big heart. She had a contagious laugh and loved to tell stories. She welcomed us in her home with open arms. I will miss running into her at stores or at the legion.
My thoughts are with all of you in these difficult days.
- Diane Sampson, on
August 6, 2026
Rest in peace Veronica. You deserve a special place in heaven.
May my support warm your heart
- SUE CARREAU, on
August 6, 2026
Sincere sympathies to the Family of Veronica Sampson. She was a great asset for the Legion and will be sorely missed. Will miss her Witt and dry humour.
- Linda Wilson, on
August 7, 2026
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Veronica's family & friends at this very difficult tim. May She Rest in Peace!
- Linda & Marcel Belanger, on
August 7, 2026
Bridget, This is a beautiful tribute to your mom. I am so sorry for your great loss. She loved and cared for her family very much and kept them very close to her heart. Every year that I came to visit family in KL, your mom always made sure we visited her and she would always give me a big hug and asked about my family. For years, Aunty and Marie-Anne (my sister) would call each other every single day, sometimes 2 to 3 times a day, just to chat. She will be greatly missed.
- Paulette Ouellette, on
August 7, 2026
So sorry to hear of your Moms passing! She was the kindest woman and always asked how everyone was doing. Big hugs to your family!
Kelly and John Burak
- Kelly Burak, on
August 7, 2026
What a beautiful tribute to your mom❤️. I had the great pleasure of getting to know Veronica at the Swastika Tree Nursery during our MNR days. I always enjoyed our chats in more recent years, usually at the grocery store. A wonderful caring person!
- Brenda Jenings, on
August 8, 2026
My condolences to the family. Veronica was a loved and valued member of the Legion. She worked tirelessly and always had a smile on her face and a funny memory to share! She was so proud of her family and I know she will be missed. RIP Ronnie❤️🙏
- Heather Taylor Sandrin, on
August 8, 2026
Aunt Veronica will always hold a special place in my heart! She was always so kind and giving! I lived with her for 2 summers working with her at the MNR as a summer student. We had a blast together and I will treasure those memories forever! She truly was one of a kind, a woman of strength and courage who would give you whatever she had! She will never be forgotten!! Love and prayers to her children and grandchildren! May your countless and wonderful memories bring you comfort during this very difficult time!!!
Colleen and Norm
- Colleen McDonald , on
August 8, 2026
So sorry for your loss. Veronica was a beautiful, warm hearted Lady and a tireless worker. She will definitely be missed by her many friends and all who knew her. Rest in peace Veronica.
- Shirley Dorsey, on
August 11, 2026
Heartfelt condolences to all her family and her many friends.
- Shirley Dorsey, on
August 11, 2026
So very sorry to hear of Rebecca's passing. Always such a friendly and fun person to run into at the Legion. Rest in peace Veronica...🙏
- Helene and Don Studholme, on
August 11, 2026
Peter,my deepest sympathies to you and the rest of the Samson family on the lost of your sister....
Your old friend Jocelyn Lacasse
May my support warm your heart
- Jocelyn Lacasse , on
August 12, 2026
We were so sorry to hear about Veronica’s passing, she was our neighbour for several years. She loved her children and grandchildren with her whole heart, she spoke of them often.We will miss seeing her around town she always had a smile on her face. Our deepest condolences to her family and friends, may she rest peacefully.🙏🏻
- Valerie & Stan Fox, on
August 13, 2026
So sorry to hear of Veronicas passing . I always enjoyed chatting with her . She talked of her family and how proud she was of them all. She sure helped out( an understatement ) at the Legion . She will be missed by all at the Legion , around town / the area.Condolences to all of her friends and family. RIP Veronica.
- Doug Scott, on
August 25, 2026
Veronica, when I think of you, I see a strong, independant woman. Tough with a great sense of humour and a get on with it attitude I must say her nails were always nicely done ( had to add that ). Lots and lots of love
- Patricia McLean , on
August 26, 2026
