SEPTEMBER 5 • 2024 | 19

F

or Samantha Woll’s family 
and closest friends, Aug. 25 
began at Machpelah Cemetery 
for the unveiling of the headstone 
marking Sam’s final resting place. 
More than a hundred people were led 
in remembrance and prayer by Rabbi 
Steven Rubenstein of Congregation 
Beth Ahm of West Bloomfield and by 
the angelic voice of Cantor Sam Rosen 
of Congregation Beit Simchat Torah 
of New York City. Cantor Rosen is the 
brother of Ben Rosen, Sam’s brother-
in-law.
Dr. Douglas Woll spoke with humor 
and emotion about how he and Sam 
disagreed on so many topics within 
politics and policy that he would joke 

that he’s still trying to find her actual 
father. Through tears, on Sunday, he 
said how much it means to him that 
he is Sam’s father and how much he 
loves her.
Dr. Margo Woll, in her remarks, 
shared a poem by Emily Dickinson, 
one of her mother’s favorite poets, 
which brings some comfort:
And if I go, while you’re still here …
 know that I live on,
Vibrating to a different measure
Behind a thin veil you cannot see 
through …
Sam’s headstone includes her artistic 
flare and Jewish pride with three 
spirals side by side and a line from 
Eshet Chayil, “She opens her mouth 

Samantha Woll’s friends and family 
gather to celebrate her life. 

Headstone Unveiling

YEVGENIYA GAZMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Join us at 
the 2024 
Michigan Walk 
Against Hate

The ADL Michigan annual Walk Against Hate is scheduled for Sunday, September 

29, 2024 at 10:00 am. The all-ages event will take place at Southfield City Centre and 

covers a distance of nearly two miles. The event aims to unite the community in a stand 

against antisemitism, bigotry, and bias, while raising dollars for ADL Michigan.

in wisdom and the Torah of loving 
kindness is on her tongue.” 
Already on Sam’s headstone is an 
assortment of rocks and colorful 
trinkets true to the exuberance of 

Sam’s energy. Immediately beside 
Sam’s grave stands tall a young pine 
as evergreen as Sam’s presence in 
this world. 

