Constance E. Sample

SAMPLE, Constance E., “Connie”, 87, of Springfield, passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Springfield Regional Medical Center. She was born June 17, 1939, in Springfield, Ohio, the daughter of the late John R. and June (Kunk) Flanigan. A graduate of Catholic Central High School, she attended the University of Dayton and Wittenberg University to further her higher educations. She married Jack Sample in 1961, and two beautiful sons were born of that blessed union, Tracy (Julie) Sample and James “Jamie” Sample. Motherhood was the greatest joy of her life. In addition to her sons, she is survived by her siblings, Pat and Paul Taylor, Kathy and Dick Hatfield and John and Barbara Flanigan; several grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack in 1996, an infant daughter, Jacqueline Marie and a dear friend, Howard Stahl. Connie was a teacher/educator, spanning a career of 25 years spent in the parochial system, namely at St. Mary and St. Raphael. In 1987, St. Raphael School closed and she was invited to join the pastoral team to assist them in developing and executing innovative programs to revitalize the recently renovated church. She spent the next 10 years fully engaged in that pursuit. She became lector, eucharistic minister, director of VBS Scripture Safari and gospel dramas, member of the Worship Commission and producer/director of the Dramatic Way of the Cross as well as coordinator of receptions and worship space decorator. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 am on Monday in the CONROY FUNERAL HOME. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Monday in St. Raphael Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Raphael Church or St. Vincent DePaul Society.