LI, Samantha — Age 24, of Halifax, died suddenly in a ...

LI, Samantha

— Age 24, of Halifax, died suddenly in a tragic car accident near New Glasgow, on July 11, 2009. She was born in Toronto in June, 1985. Her secondary education started at Lawrence Park Collegiate, Toronto, and continued at Queen Elizabeth High School, Halifax , after her move there at age 16. Samantha began her university studies at Dalhousie University with a concentration in Music. Subsequently she transferred to the English programme; English was her first love. She graduated in May, 2009, B.A. with First Class Honours. With prestigious graduate scholarships in hand she was about to pursue a Masters degree at the University of British Columbia. Samantha was respected by her fellow students and professors alike for her extraordinary intellect and unique creativity. Samantha's musical studies began at the piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto. After a hiatus she took up the violin in Halifax, studying under Jennifer Jones and Philippe Djokic. She was a member of the Dalhousie Chamber Orchestra, the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra and two string quartets. Samantha was a gentle and generous spirit, always thoughtful of and kind to others. Her luminous presence touched many. She was loved by all those who knew and interacted with her. Samantha is survived, and sorely missed by her mother, Jane Li, Belleville, Ont.; father, Stephen Payne, Halifax; partner, Andrew Gormley, Halifax and aunt, Jacqueline Kinsman, Timaru, New Zealand. She leaves her little cat, Pepper. Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. today, followed by a service celebrating her life at 2 p.m., Friday, July 17. Both will take place in Atlantic Funeral Home, 6552 Bayers Rd., Halifax. A reception will follow the service. On-line condolences may be made at: www.atlanticfuneralhomes.ca. As an expression of sympathy, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dalhousie University or to the Samantha Li Memorial Fund c/o External Relations, Dalhousie University (Tel. (902) 494-8801 or Toll Free 1-800-565-9969). Funds will be used to establish an award/ prize or scholarship endowment.