Goodbye, Sammie

My dad was flipping through the newspaper today and when he was reading the obituaries, he realized one of our long-time friends had passed. The newspaper said her last name changed to Dominic, but my friend, Sammie Scalcucci, died this week of lung cancer.

Renee was my mom's best friend before I was born. Sammie is her daughter. Sammy also had a younger sister, Saree. Our moms were pregnant together at the same time, racing to see who would come first. As my personality, I beat Saree out of the womb by 8 days. When I grew up Sammie was my babysitter, but she was also that older sister that I never had and always wanted. She loved to take me out or just play with me at home. Everyone knew that Sammy loved me and growing up I idolized her.

Sammie left behind four kids; Her oldest two are Amanda and Lowgun, and her youngest two must be Kindergarden-age, Brandathan and Halee. I feel horrible for these four children, robbed of a mommy.

Sammie Lynne Dominick, 34, of North Pole, passed away on June 8, 2009, at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital.

Sammie was born on Oct. 4, 1974, at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital.

Sammie battled lung cancer for almost two years, with family and friends close by her side. Sammie was known for her sense of humor and always having something smart to say. She lived life to the fullest. Although we didn't have her here for a long time, she was here to have a good time.

Sammie is survived by her son, Lowgun Hendrie; her daughter, Amanda Murray; her son, Brandathan Dominick Hunneg; her daughter, Halee Dominick; grandparents, Bud and Ruth Shannon; mother and stepfather, Renee and Jim Klatt; sister, Wendy Bingham; brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Ana Bingham; brother, David "PJ" Scalcucci; sister, Saree Scalcucci; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at noon, Saturday, June 20, at Chena Lake Riverside Pavilion No. 3 with Pastor Marshall officiating.

Bring a dish to share; the gathering and potluck will continue until 10 p.m., and prepare for a good time.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations at Wells Fargo to the Sammie Dominick Cancer Fund, Acct. No. 3242539967.