Lizanne Samuelson

Lizanne Samuelson of Milford, Pa., died unexpectedly with her family and friends by her side on Wednesday, March 30, 2016, in Morristown, N.J., after a life-long struggle with a genetic heart disorder. She was 60.
Daughter of the late Gustaf Ellis Stern Samuelson and Greta (nee Albert) Samuelson Palmer, she was born in Sweden on Sept. 29, 1955.
She moved to Milford in 1966 and attended Delaware Valley ,graduating in 1974. She continued to pursue her education in journalism at Orange County Community College and later at City College of New York to pursue a degree in criminal justice. These accomplishments were achieved despite the fact that she never drove an automobile. In her early years she worked in many local restaurants as a waitress, a vocation she was always proud of. She put her lifelong interest of journalism and love for the area to practical use covering local municipal meetings for the Pike County Dispatch and the Pike County Courier.
She was able to use her skills as the secretary for Milford Borough for 23 years. She was an important contact to all those who lived and worked in the community. Her local knowledge and expertise regarding zoning and grants enabled her to assist borough officials and townspeople alike. She also sat on the boards of the Architectural Review Board and the Pike County Developmental Center and was involved with many non-profits including the SPCA. Her special love was for cats, naming each one after a Greek God or Goddess.
She was deeply passionate about so many things that helped to define her character. She was generous to a fault and helped all who crossed her path. Her special interests included nature, Native American Indians, reading, writing, local history, traveling and spirituality.
So much of what she experienced and felt were reflected in her beautiful writings. The river was her sanctuary and she was so grateful to have it in her back yard. Nothing meant more to her than being outside in the sun, swimming in the river whenever possible. She also had an interest in old cemeteries and dragged those of us who allowed it, on many an adventure exploring these sites. Because she did not drive, she relied on her thumb to get her where she needed to go reflecting the gypsy in her. She would often be seen riding her bicycle in town, a sight which will be sorely missed by everyone.
She was predeceased by her stepfather, Lee Palmer; and niece Amanda Jo Palmer. She is survived by her sister Suzanne, her brother Joel and wife, Amy; niece Becky; sister Beth and her husband, Bill; her Uncle Bill Albert and his wife, Martha; her Swedish family, brothers Thomas Samuelsson and Frank Samuelsson; twin sister to Frank, Ann-Lois (nee Samuelson) Jensen and their extended families, including nieces and nephews and many special friends.
A memorial celebration of her life will take place at 10 a.m. on April 29 at St. Patrick’s, Catholic Church, Milford, with the Rev. Gregory Kelly officiating. Cremation took place at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pike County Humane Society, 189 Lee Rd., Shohola, PA 18458.
Arrangements were made by Stroyan Funeral Home, Milford.