Samantha Renee Burton, “Mantha Moo Cow,” “Sam-arama-ding-dong” was born to Sarah Fisher and Chad Burton on May 23rd, 1998, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and was taken by a sudden illness on November 3rd, 2021, at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.
Samantha was a spunky child with what she always insisted was orange hair (not red). Her energy and passion for life was contagious for all who crossed her path. She attended school in the Eau Claire Area School District and graduated from North High School with the class of 2016. Sam went on to receive a degree in Political Science from Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She was currently a student at the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Policy. She co-authored the article “High Impact Learning Practices: Leveling the Playing Field or Perpetuating Inequity?” that will soon be published in the Journal of Teaching in Higher Education. Her connections with family and friends and the simple times spent together were the foundations of Sam’s life story.
Sam is survived by her parents, Sarah Fisher and Chad Burton; Sisters, Alexa and DeAnna; and many, many beloved immediate and extended family members. Sam also leaves behind many treasured friends and her beloved cat, Püskha, who is just as sassy and opinionated as Sam was.
Sam dedicated her life to paving the way for people less fortunate than herself. She was selfless in her educational pursuits and was on track to be the change she wished to see in the world. Sam was brave enough to see the light, and even braver to be the light. In honor of Sam, we have established a memorial fund to support legal and education efforts for local immigrants.
Friends and family are welcome to join us in celebration of Sam’s life at The Brewing Projekt, 1807 N Oxford Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54703, from 4-7pm on Saturday, November 13th, 2021. Please don’t show up wearing all black; if you knew Sam, she would absolutely hate that.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Samantha Renee Memorial Fund through the Eau Claire Area Public Schools Foundation online at https://eccf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?funit_id=2737.
"I would like to be remembered as someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability." -Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Sam’s personal hero).
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