Nancy Sampson

Nancy Carol Sampson, 87, of Duluth, died March 1, 2018 at Beehive Homes in Duluth.  She was born January 14, 1931 to Paul Van Duyn and Frances (Belski) Van Duyn in the city she loved Duluth, where she graduated from St. Clement's Catholic School and Duluth Denfeld.  Nancy married Robert Sampson in 1951 and they had one son Michael Robert.

Nancy began her long love affair with real estate in the 1960s beginning at Ramsland Realty as a secretary and quickly acquiring her real estate and broker's license.  In 1976 she bought her office building and home at 730 East Superior St. and opened Emerald Realty.

Upstairs at 730, with a stunning view of Lake Superior, Nancy held court pouring drinks for the adults, plying children with candy, and thrusting treats for the dogs.  Pretty much all were welcome, and the conversation was legendary.

Emerald Realty and selling real estate was her passion and captivated her life.  In her own words "real estate was in my blood, I could never get enough of it.  I totally enjoyed every second, minute, hour and day and that is why I was always happy."

She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved brother Paul (Bud), sister Charlotte, good friend Suzi Pichetti, and her best friend Blake MacDonald.

She is survived by her son Mike (Cathy Nevers), grandchildren Benjamin and Ekta and their mother Patricia Long.  Her huge heart embraced a wide and diverse family including Tim Pichetti, Harvey Plasche, Michelle Prescott, Tommy Mellin and Morgana Davis and a list of friends too extensive to list.

A special thank you to the entire Beehive staff (especially Molly Watson the "entertainer") who embraced her eccentricities and lovingly cared for her.

Nancy will be hosting a party at the Boat Club, 600 E. Superior St., Duluth, on Sunday March 11 from 11AM-2PM.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Animal Allies. 4006 Airport Rd, Duluth MN 55811 and Second Harvest Food Bank, 4503 Airpark Blvd, Duluth MN 55811.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth, 218-727-3555.