FEBRUARY 22 • 2024 | 27
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Thursday walk with her. I 
even miss being annoyed 
by Sam’s chronic lateness 
and her subsequent endless 
apologies for being late. I just 
wish with my whole being 
that she was physically back 
in our world.
“And, in all of this 
indescribable physical, 
emotional and spiritual 
agony, I have moments that 
I feel Sam,” she said. “And it 
is Sam’s unique, sweet, sweet 
spirit that is actually guiding 
me and many of us on how 
to move forward in this very 
challenging time. 
“And in this moment that 
we are all finding ourselves 
in — a reality none of us 
would have chosen — we are 
also being given the special 
opportunity to try to embody 
Sam. To be transformed into 
becoming more kind, more 
open, more loving, more 
thoughtful and more humane 
beings. This is the gift Sam 
will continue to give all of 
us.”
Detroit Councilman 

Coleman Young II presented 
Sam’s parents, Drs. Doug and 
Margo Woll, on her behalf, 
with two recognitions of 
Sam’s great contributions 
to Detroit, including the 
Spirit of Detroit Award 
and a Proclamation from 
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan 
honoring Sam’s life. Young 
II said of Woll, “Heroes are 
remembered. Legends never 
die.”
 Rabbi Alana Alpert led all 
gathered in song:
“I am open and I am 
willing 
To be hopeless would seem 
so strange
It dishonors those who go 
before us
So lift me up to the light of 
change …
”
Heisler closed her remarks 
saying, “May we all be part 
of imagining and creating a 
world together that is more 
peaceful, loving, kind and 
inclusive. May Sam Woll’s 
memory be a blessing. May 
Sam Woll’s memory be the 
revolution.” 

LEFT: Celebration of Life 
organizers Jenny Nathan, 
Andy Einhorn, Shira Heisler, 
David Dabbon, Laura De 
Palma and Paul Spurgeon. 
BELOW: Guests participate in 
sand art led by Gail Kaplan. 
BOTTOM: Potluck tables full 
of Sam-allergy-friendly food at 
Sam’s Celebration of Life.

