Obituary of Samantha Scotti

Samantha (Moeser) Scotti went home to Jesus on January 12, 2021, at age 47, after 11 long years battling metastatic breast cancer.

Samantha, a striking beauty with a quick wit, was known as “Sam” or “Sammy” to those who loved her best. She was born to Carol (Masella) Moeser and John Moeser on July 30th, 1973, in West Islip, Long Island, NY.  Samantha’s childhood was a tumultuous one, losing her mother at age 2, her stepmother before the age of 10, her grandparents at age 18, and her father at age 22. Her humble upbringing and incredible character was one built on the love of her “FrogDa” John; her sister, Maryellen; and her grandparents, Phyllis and Tony Masella.

Samantha met her husband, Anthony Scotti, April 17th, 1999, and it was love at first sight for both. In a few short months, they became attached at the hip and remained that way for the remainder of her life. She often said how thankful she was that God brought Anthony into her life. They married in May 2002 and went on to share the affection of three fur babies together: Scarlet, Lizi and Kirby. They lived in Dutchess County, New York and built their dream home together. Samantha cherished all the happiness and memories she shared in their home with Anthony, friends, and family.

In addition to being a dedicated and loving wife, sister, friend and fur mom, Samantha was a deeply compassionate and thoughtful woman to all God’s creations. She had the ability to see the good in the world. Known for being strong-willed, especially when it came to right and wrong, she was a passionate friend to all. She was quick to offer her enormous heart, a warm shoulder to cry on, or to just listen and be there to anyone in need. She was an enthusiastic singer (“the karaoke queen”) and a magnet for children and animals of all kinds. There was not an animal or child that was not drawn to her, and she to them.  Just like her Dad, she was a savior for animals, whether they were abandoned or lost.  She was quick to protect and wouldn’t stop until she could ensure happiness, even for turtles crossing the road. When it came to children, she was the first to solicit a hug, smile, or wipe a tear.

Samantha had many “Great loves” in her life. Beyond her Dad, grandparents, husband, sister, fur babies, and friends, she was deeply committed to God and Jesus.  She was blessed with many family-like, long-term friendships. Samantha’s life’s work was to encourage others and share in their joy.  One of her closest friends wrote this to Sam in her last days: “You were such a bright light to me from the beginning-guiding me through some dark days.  You have a special way of bringing that light into everyone around you; like an angel too good for this earth.”

She loved animals, music, dancing, classic and 80’s movies, laughter, vacationing, historical tours, swimming, flowers and anything colorful. She had a deep connection with the ocean and nature. Samantha was known as “Fancy Sammy” because she expressed her zest for life through clothes, jewelry, and dressing up fancy. She loved the finer things in life, but realized that compassion, thoughtfulness, and kindness were the greatest gifts of all.  She knew that the best moments in life are those priceless, daily, simple joys, like cherishing moments with friends and loved ones. She had a knack for giving special gifts that were meaningful for the receiver, and she often gave mementos to those she loved.    She demanded a clean house and was quick to enforce her rules. She relished playing board games and everything 80’s.

Samantha was a talented “Memory Keeper.” She was the family storyteller and never had a loss for words.   She was a community organizer for family and friends. Whether it was a bridal/baby shower, birthday, anniversary, holiday event, Karaoke night, or Children’s Carnival, she was involved in bringing everyone together. Holidays were especially important to her. (Thanksgiving was HER holiday!)  She cherished the opportunity for everyone to say what they were thankful for and to share in her stories, especially those of her dad and grandparents that were so very important to her.

In her later years, she strengthened her relationship with Jesus Christ and emanated his tenets of peace and hope. Even in her last days, her concern was for those around her. She was the definition of grace and compassion. She will be deeply missed by all.

Samantha joins her parents, John and Carol; her grandparents, Phyllis and Tony; and her fur babies in Heaven. She is survived by her husband, Anthony; her sister, Maryellen Moeser, and brother-in-law, Jay Swanson; her mother and father-in-law, Joan and Joseph Scotti; brother and sister-in law, Jerry and Michelle Scotti; niece, Aubrey (Tim); nephew, Jerry Scotti Jr; her Uncle Thomas and Aunt Jeanne Masella; her Uncle Tony and Aunt Sarah Masella; and cousins: Danielle, Jennifer, Thomas and Benjamin.

John 3:16

“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Exodus 23:20

“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.”

Revelation 21:4 

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

A Celebration of life will be held Saturday January 23, 2021 from 11am to 2pm at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkjeepsie, New York 12603. If you would like to leave an online condolence please visit our website at www.doylefuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) (daws.org) or Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation (milesofhope.org), both of these organizations were extremely meaningful to Samantha’s life.  Send directly or care of Maryellen Moeser, 88 North Clove Road, Verbank, NY 12585.  Please be sure to note “in Memory of Samantha Scotti”.