26 | FEBRUARY 22 • 2024 J
N
M
ore than 250 people
gathered at Cadieux
Stage in Detroit to
celebrate the life of Samantha
Woll, who was
murdered last
October at her
Detroit home.
Every detail
of the gathering
was intentionally
designed with
Sam in mind. From the
Sam-allergy-friendly potluck
filling tables upon tables with
delicious and diverse food,
to high-tops adorned with
conversation prompts and
eclectic campaign pins, to the
collaborative sand art led by
Gail Kaplan, to words shared
and songs sung. Sam’s life was
celebrated as those who loved
her clung to one another as
their hearts continued to ache.
Andy Einhorn served as
the master of ceremonies
welcoming all to be like Sam.
“I want to encourage
everyone to be like Sam today
and use the prompts on the
tables to start conversation
and dialogue with people you
do not know,” he said.
The room perfectly
reflected Sam’s community, it
included absolutely everyone.
People of all ages and
backgrounds found common
ground in recognizing Sam’s
gift at building bridges and
setting a longer table, to
always choose inclusion and
put in the work to understand
one another over division and
discrimination.
Among the guests
celebrating Sam’s life were city,
state and national political
leaders, including State Sen.
Stephanie Chang and U.S.
Rep. Elyssa Slotkin.
“Our family is so grateful
for the love and support we’ve
received since Samantha’s
passing,” said Monica Woll
Rosen, Sam Woll’s sister. “It’s
incredible to witness how far
and wide Sam’s light spread
and we hope that her legacy
will continue to touch people
in meaningful ways as time
goes on.”
Ilana Block spoke on behalf
of a group of University
of Michigan alumni and
Monica and Sam’s close
friends, who came together
to be with Monica and
her family through this
unthinkable tragedy. The
group chose to dedicate a tree
at the University of Michigan
Nichols Arboretum with the
inscription, “In Honor of
Samantha ‘Sam’ Woll. Who
will always be remembered
for her tireless activism and
passion to make the world a
better place.”
Block read the joint letter:
“Like a tree which provides
the oxygen that we need
to breathe, which reduces
erosion and pollution in
our waterways, and which
provides food, protection and
a sense of home for many
species, Sam was the breath
of fresh air that we all needed
in what could feel like a world
full of erosion and pollution.
She was an absolute force
for good, full of unyielding
optimism, creating a peaceful
habitat for all who knew her.”
Shira Heisler shared her
deep longing for more time
with Sam and her continued
awareness of Sam’s presence
and guidance. Heisler said, “I
deeply long for Sam. I want
to see that beautiful smile
again. I want to go on another
Sam Woll
Community members remember
Samantha Woll.
A
Celebration
of Life
YEVGENIYA GAZMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMIE FELDMAN
OUR COMMUNITY
Image quilt
of sand art
that will be
displayed
at IADS.
COURTESY OF DR. MONICA WOLL ROSEN
Drs. Monica
Woll Rosen and
Margo Woll