Samantha Marie Brassard

Age 34, of South Wilmington, Illinois, and formerly of Wilmington, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. In her final act of generosity, Samantha gave the gift of life as an organ donor.

Born October 27, 1990, in Joliet, Illinois, Samantha is a daughter of Robert B. Bland, Jr. of Wilmington and the late Linda Ann (Spellman) Bland. She grew up in Wilmington, where she attended St. Rose School, was honored as Miss Wilmington in 2006, and graduated with the Wilmington High School Class of 2009. Samantha went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree from Lewis University, during which time she met her soulmate and best friend, James Brassard. They married on June 22, 2013, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington, and together built a loving home and welcomed two beautiful daughters, who were the center of Samantha’s world.

Samantha was a devoted wife, an extraordinary mother, and a compassionate educator. She worked as a teacher’s aide at South Wilmington Grade School and had previously worked in the Wilmington community through roles at St. Rose School's Extended Care program and at DesRochers Backyard Pools. She was an active member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in South Wilmington, where she shared her faith by teaching CCD classes.

Samantha’s greatest joy was her family. Whether cheering from the sidelines at dance and softball or volunteering as a dugout mom, she lived to see her daughters thrive. Samantha found happiness in simple pleasures—camping, night fishing, walking, and spending time at the South Wilmington Firemen’s Club. She loved playing euchre and created memories on the back of James’ Harley. Her love for her animals was unwavering.

With a bright smile and a fun-loving spirit, Samantha brought joy to all who knew her. Her quick wit, sense of humor, and innate ability to bring people together made her the heart of her family and friends. She was the one who always put others first, offering support and a listening ear whenever it was needed.

Samantha’s legacy is one of love, strength, and selflessness.

Survivors include her husband, James; two daughters: Maria and Alayna; her father, Robert B. Bland, Jr.; brother, Robert III (Beth) Bland of Belvidere, Illinois; sister, Megan (Bob) Nugent of Wilmington and best friend who was like a sister, Breanna (Alex) Crippen; maternal grandparents: David and Connie Spellman of Alabama; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Tim and Irene Brassard of Essex; brothers-in-law: Timothy (Ellen) Brassard of Louisiana and Jonathan (Reign) Brassard of Texas; nieces and nephews: Rob, Kevin, Chloe, Raelene, Avrie, Kevin, Michael, Carter, Shawn and Ryan, and cousins: Don (Jane) Sickler, Nate Matthews, Drew Sickler, Billy Bland, Jared Bland, K.J. Bland, Joy Bland and Katie Bland, as well as countless friends.

Samantha was preceded in death by her mother, Linda on March 31, 2022.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow Wednesday, January 15 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Rose Catholic Church, 604 South Kankakee Street in Wilmington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Stanley Drewniak presiding.

Cremation rites will be accorded following the services, and Samantha will be laid to rest in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington with her mother, Linda.

Preferred memorials in lieu of flowers may be made as gifts in Samantha’s memory to her husband James and daughters Maria and Alayna.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Samantha’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)