Samantha “Sampa” Loyd Simonsen passed away surrounded by the deep love of her family on May 28, 2026. Samantha was born on August 31, 1985, in Bountiful, Utah, to Diane and Ray. From the very beginning, she was a spitfire — full of personality, determination, and a one-of-a-kind spark that could never be ignored. She brought a strong spirit, a generous heart, and a light into the lives of those around her that will never be replaced.

Samantha graduated from Viewmont High School in 2004 and went on to build a meaningful nursing career. She worked hard to earn her nursing license, and her compassion, humor, and caring nature touched countless lives. She was an incredible nurse who truly loved caring for others, and anyone who knew or worked with Sam loved her deeply. Helping people wasn’t just her job — it was simply who she was.

Samantha was deeply loved by her parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. To know Samantha was to know someone who gave endlessly to the people she loved. She had a special way of making everyone around her feel important, cared for, and seen. She also had a talent for giving people unforgettable nicknames — somehow always finding the perfect one that would stick forever and become part of who you were to her.

To her family, she was lovingly known as “Sampa” or “Sampa Claus,” a nickname earned because of how much joy she found in spoiling the people she loved, especially her nieces and nephews. She made birthdays, holidays, and even ordinary days feel magical. Her love was generous, unforgettable, and deeply felt.

Her nieces and nephews were truly the center of Samantha’s world. She poured her whole heart into being their aunt, and they adored her right back. They will forever miss driving around with her in her oversized sunglasses, music blaring, laughing until they couldn’t breathe, and shopping until they dropped. Those moments, filled with her humor, energy, and unforgettable wheezy laugh, are memories they will carry with them forever.

Samantha had a sense of humor that could brighten even the hardest days. She was funny without trying to be, full of spunk and personality, and had a laugh that everyone who loved her can still hear perfectly in their minds. She also had a stubborn streak that those closest to her knew well, but it was part of the fire that made her uniquely her.

She had a deep love for animals and dreamed of one day opening a sanctuary for disabled animals or even running a doggy daycare bus — a dream that perfectly reflected both her compassion and playful spirit.

Samantha also carried deep love for those she missed dearly, especially her beloved grandparents and a close friend who remained close to her heart through the years. We take comfort in imagining the reunion they now share.

While grief leaves an ache that words cannot fully heal, we find comfort in believing Samantha has been reunited with the people she held so closely in her heart. The ones she missed deeply are now beside her again, welcoming her with love and peace.

As we move forward through the heartbreak of losing Samantha, we will hold tightly to the love, memories, laughter, and joy she gave so freely. Though grief may change us, so does love — and her love will remain with us always. Little by little, we will carry her with us as we heal, finding strength in one another, in the memories she left behind, and in the reminder to cherish the people we love deeply while we can.

Samantha leaves behind her husband, Tony Lloyd; parents, Ray Simonsen (Claudine) and Diane Simonsen (Keith); siblings Amberly Schiffman (Zach), Shane Shields, Savannah Bernardo (Nick), Katelyn Freeman (Adam), Megan Simonsen, and Ellie Simonsen; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her beyond words.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held in her honor on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Cranberry Farms Clubhouse, 2481 W 2400 N, Lehi, UT 84043.