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

