Penny Lee (Praster) Samar

Penny Lee Samar (née Praster) died unexpectedly on March 7, 2023 at her home in South Williamsport following a brief illness. She was 67 years old. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by her sudden yet peaceful passing.

Penny is survived and missed by her loving family including her brother Herbert Praster (Mariene): three children Michael (Lisa), David (Colleen), and Lindsay; nine grandchildren Christina, Colin, Payton, Lily, Luke, Alaina, Laurel, Aiden, and Lincoln; sister-in-law Linda and her family; several nieces and nephews; and one very good doggy Molly. Penny is also survived and missed by her numerous friends who she loved like family (special acknowledgment to Diana and Patty who were always there for Penny when she needed anything at all.)

Penny was predeceased by parents Edna Praster (née Crosley) and Herbert Praster, Jr., and husband Michael Stephen Samar.

Born on June 15, 1955 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania Penny was a self-described "Original Hippie of the 60's, who loved the outdoors, camping, canoeing, playing her coronet at home and with the Repasz Band, listening to music, gardening, writing poetry, reading profusely, and spending time with her friends and family.

Penny graduated from South Williamsport High School in 1973 and immediately departed on one of her most prized adventures, an extended trip to Germany with her life-long friend Diana. Upon returning home she wasted little time in getting married to husband Michael and starting a family. Tragedy struck in 1981 when Michael died in a motor vehicle accident leaving her a widow with three young children. Despite this, Penny poured her heart and soul into being a single mother and raised two children into well-adjusted and happy adults. She also raised Lindsay.

Penny always made time for all of us including attending concerts and games, taking family vacations, and hosting birthday parties. She even put a full sized tee-pee in the back yard for us (herself included) to get up to all kinds of shenanigans in. We never felt we needed anything more than what we had because we always had her. Penny did that. She worked that minor miracle herself.

Penny was "Grammy" to her grandchildren (a name she picked for herself before any of them were even conceived), and she always said she loved all of them equally, although the jury is still out on that. Regardless, there was little she loved more than to spend time with all of her grandkids and to watch them grow and thrive.

There are no words for how grateful and blessed we are to all who offered their love and support following Penny's passing. There will be no public services, but a private gathering will be announced directly to close friends and family where we will kick back a few Stroh's in Penny's honor and share our favorite memories of her. It is the family's wishes that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the James V. Brown Library in Williamsport where Penny spent a large amount of her time browsing. borrowing, and reading books.

For those of you that knew Penny well, the odds are pretty good that she was one of your favorite people. She was certainly ours. We love you mom.

Signed,
Penny's kids: Michael, David, and Lindsay
March 9, 2023

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