Samantha Joyce TEMPLER

Samantha Joyce “Sam” Templer of Saint Charles, MO, passed away at home surrounded by family on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at the age of 49. Faithful wife of James T. Byrne III; loving mother of Amelia M. Byrne; beloved daughter of Michael F. and Katherine “Kathy” I. (Mattie) Templer; cherished sister of Amanda L. (Templer) Fonte (Tom); wombmate of Angela L. Templer (Brittany); aunt and Godmother of Olivia Williams; and bonus mother of J.T. Byrne. Sam is also survived by dear aunts and uncles Barbara (Mattie) and the late Charles Watts; Virginia (Mattie) and the late G. Frank Kopfinger; Margie (Mattie) Story; Marcia (Mattie) and Wayne (Butch) Kelley; Lori (Mattie) and Paul Hester; Jeff and Susan (Lindhorst) Mattie; Laura (Templer) and the late Anthony Zuk. In addition, Samantha leaves many cousins and a world full of friends, including BFFs Jeanne, Jenny, Tabitha, Dann, Tina, and countless more. She was preceded in death by grandparents Leonard J. and Marcella G. (Saale) Mattie; and Victor G. Jr. and Joyce E. (Christy) Templer; cousins Renee Kopfinger Lynch, Kurt Kopfinger, and Vincent Marsh. Samantha was so many things - Incredibly loving, kind and caring, both intelligent and wise, outgoing, passionate, protective, positive beyond belief, and late. Sam was always late. She was a care-free, fun-loving, down-to-earth, even-keeled soul who was the life of the party and lit every room. She was a true partner with Jim in marriage, but above all else, Sam was an extraordinary mother who always made time to be Amelia’s playmate. Evenings were spent playing on the floor with Playmobil or building Legos. Sam was still a child at heart. She adored all of her family, always looking forward to the next gathering with aunts, uncles, and cousins. This gentle girl was a rock for many and cement for all. She was quick to start conversations with strangers and would walk away with new friends. She had a knack for drawing the best out of people. So many hearts were touched by Sam in her short life and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her is better for it. Sam loved music, concerts, traveling, and a cold Hamm’s. Each of her days was packed with good, because she refused to entertain bad. Sam had an infinite obsession for baseball, so much so that she cried on opening day. While the Cardinals were her favorite, she loved all of the teams. She loved the game. Baseball became her distraction while fighting cancer, which she did courageously. She wore her jerseys on treatment days, adding a pin or button that sparked encouragement, and of course, a goofy pair of socks. She began picking up vintage baseball gloves in antique stores, thoroughly cleaned them, lovingly re-laced them, and if marked with the name of the original owner, she dreamed of somehow returning to them free of charge. Sam was also a CYC official for St. Charles Borromeo School. Sam turned another hobby into what she called her “side hustle” which she branded “Button Pusher”. Her creativity abounded designing pinback buttons, enameled pins, and eventually a successful line of tee shirts featuring nostalgic St. Charles venues. Sam was born in Anchorage, Alaska, but absolutely loved her hometown of St. Charles and was proud to be a life-long resident. As a working Mom, Samantha returned to college to finish her degree. She had a calling to protect others after watching the tragedy of Sandy Hook unfold as she held her infant daughter. In near record time, she graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a degree in Crisis and Disaster Management and she made the world a safer place every day. She took that role very seriously. Quiet Logistics was fortunate to have “Safety Sam”. Sam loved people. Sam loved life and she lived it to its fullest. God must have a very special plan for her to call her home so soon. Samantha will be sorely missed by all who knew her. “Welcome to Sam’s world where every day is super!” Samantha suggested that attendees of her visitation/service wear jerseys, any sport, any team. She wanted everyone to celebrate. The family would like to thank Sam’s care team at Siteman Cancer Center and Heartland Hospice for their tender care. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Siteman Cancer Center, Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, or STL Youth Sports Outreach. Visitation will be at Alternative Funeral and Cremation Services on Friday, April 26, 2024, from 9am to 10:30am. Mass at 11am at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. A graveside service will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church Cemetery immediately following Mass. (If you are going to the graveside, please enter the cemetery from Boones Lick Rd. Due to another service in the area of ours we are trying to not have traffic issues. I am sorry for the inconvenience.)

Samantha Joyce TEMPLER

July 4, 1974 - April 18, 2024