With heavy hearts, the family of Isabelle Marie Sampson (Martell), age 77, of St. Peter’s, Nova Scotia, announce her passing after an incredibly courageous five-year battle with ovarian cancer.
Her final moments were spent surrounded by loved ones. She was born to the late John Lawrence and Gladys Martell on July 13, 1948, in L’Ardoise, Nova Scotia. Isabelle was a truly remarkable woman. She was the heart of her family and was known for her strength, warmth, generosity, sense of humour, and unwavering faith. With fearless independence and an extraordinary work ethic, Isabelle built a life defined by creativity, resilience, and determination.
At just 19 years old, she became a Master Beautician/Esthetician, purchased her first car, and opened her own salon, Belle Coiffeur, in St. Peter’s, where she was beloved by her loyal clientele. Later in life, she spent more than a decade as a deck hand on her husband’s snow crab and lobster boat, working tirelessly in the shipping lanes while also helping run the family business, Bad Boy Fisheries Ltd. She was immensely proud of her years at sea, which she described as some of the most peaceful and meaningful days of her life. A woman with boundless talents and a keen eye for detail, Isabelle created beauty in everyday life. She was a gifted and self-taught artist, wedding cake decorator, gourmet cook, craftswoman, gardener and florist, and interior designer, whose works will be forever treasured. She was also the “hostess with the mostest,” bringing family and friends together with her delicious meals and creating unforgettable memories. Her quick wit and feisty spirit brought joy to every conversation, and she never failed to make those around her laugh. Above all, Isabelle was a mother who stood firmly in her children’s corner, offering unconditional love, encouragement, wisdom, and endless support. She was their biggest cheerleader and their greatest comfort. Her faith in God guided her life. Isabelle believed deeply that we are all here for a divine purpose and that we do not leave this world until that purpose is fulfilled. Even in the face of illness, she showed extraordinary bravery and grace. Her beautiful spirit and inspiration will live on in all who knew and loved her.
She will be remembered by her loving and devoted husband of 41 years, Louis Sampson; her cherished children, Yvette Ings (Trevor), Tanya Firth, and Dawn Caron (Marc); her step-son, Earl Sampson; and her beloved grandchildren, Nicolas Dionne, Dylan Sampson (Brooke), Deanna Sampson, and Jessica Sampson. She will also be deeply missed by her sister Joanne; her brother Mike (Marg); her sister-in-law Sharon; her faithful neighbours, Joanne and Anne-Marie Boudreau; as well as extended family and friends. Besides her parents, Isabelle was predeceased by her brother Walter and step-son Robert.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and healthcare teams at the QEII, St. Martha’s, and Strait Richmond hospitals, as well as her palliative care team. Your compassion, kindness, and professionalism brought great comfort and lightened the heaviest moments. You are all angels in our eyes.
Visitation will be held on Monday, May 11th, 2026 from 2-4 & 6-8pm at Holy Guardian Angels Visitation Parlour, L’Ardoise. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11am on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 at Holy Guardian Angels Parish Church, L’Ardoise. Interment will take place at a later date in the Holy Guardian Angels Parish Cemetery. A reception will follow the mass at the L’Ardoise Community Centre. Donations in Isabelle’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
As Isabelle would wish to be remembered, we share a quote from her cherished Little House on the Prairie: “Remember me with smiles and laughter as that is how I will remember you all. If you can only remember me with tears, then don’t remember me at all.”
