Samantha Lee Kocyba-Tuff

Sam was a free-spirited traveler who some may describe as funky, kind-hearted, and curious. Her hippie self granted us a story from all 50 states, 6 out of 7 continents and 10 of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks, along with a photo for every step she took. Sammi was the type of person who made an impression on everyone she met: whether it be someone she knew since elementary school or someone she met at the gas station, her empathetic joy for others was contagious. She brought a smile and positive mindset everywhere she set foot regardless of what may have happened earlier that day or the circumstances in that moment - she still had a way of making everything memorable.

What you may not have known about our beloved Samantha Kocyba-Tuff - who received 55 years of love and experience - was that she passed away peacefully on September 25 at 11:11pm, which was no coincidence due to her love of matching numbers. Some say that when you see this number it means that the spirit of a loved one is reaching out to you, so please take the time to tell her or another loved one about your day, how much you love them, or the recent adventures you have been on.

Sam was born in Syracuse, NY to Mary and James Kocyba on December 2, 1970, which may have been the reason for her adoration of the winter season. She went to school in the heart of upstate New York, graduated from Central Square High School and then went off to Hillsborough College in Tampa, FL. Her most recent job was at the Suburban Propane contact center, where she had been working for 19 years as a Workforce Management Analyst. However, her favorite job was working as a tour guide on a Hawaiian cruise ship, the S.S. Independence, where she got to enjoy a new journey every day.

Samantha is remembered lovingly by her two children Alexis and Arabella, who could not be more thankful that they were the ones that were given life from such a wonderful woman who allowed them to embark on so many trips; her twin brothers Matthew and Gregory are proud to have been blessed with such an inspiring older sister who encouraged them to venture out to see the world; and above all, her parents Mary and James, who gave her life and support through all of her endeavors.

Please join us at her Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 10, 2026, 12:00pm - 6:00pm at the Central Square American Legion, where we will honor our time with Samantha and the memories she blessed us with.

To share a memory of Sam, or leave a special message for her family, visit the guest book below.