Tributes

Samantha Deneen Howland Passed away in Orlando, Florida, on January 29, 2026. She was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on January 15, 1991, to parents, Bobby Howland and Rachel Vega. Samantha was the life of the party. She loved to dance, stay out late and be a true social butterfly. Living the life of a bartender she shared her outgoing personality and love for football with the many people that knew her (Especially, if it was the Giants!). She cherished her family and friends and enjoyed spending as much time with them as possible, especially on vacation or holidays. She is survived by her grandmother, Rebecca Vega; her siblings, Richarda Velazquez (Yamillet), Richard Service, Ricardo Service (Erica), Marketta Service, Marissa Services, and Samuel Howland; and nieces, Amina and Alianna. Samantha was a true animal lover, and although she was taken from us too soon, she is now with her fur baby companion, Molly. She was loved dearly and will be greatly missed. She Was Light” Samantha was not meant to live quietly. She entered every room like sunlight through open curtains — warm, undeniable, alive. She was the life of the party, unapologetic in her laughter, bold in her truth, never shrinking herself to make others comfortable. She spoke her mind — not to wound, but because honesty lived in her bones. She was kind in ways the world didn’t always see, a soft heart wrapped in fearless strength. Independent. Resilient. Stronger than even she let on. She loved to travel — not just across cities or countries, but through moments. She collected memories the way others collect things: late-night talks, music too loud, family gathered close, friends who felt like home. She understood something many of us are still learning — that life is meant to be lived out loud. And though today our hearts feel the weight of her absence, I believe her spirit is not confined to this goodbye. She is in every sunset that takes our breath away. In every burst of laughter that fills a quiet room. In every brave decision we make without apology. Because love like hers does not disappear. It transforms. It rises. It becomes part of the air we breathe and the strength we carry forward. She was light. And even now, that light has not gone out — it has simply gone ahead of us. Until we meet again.

Tributes

Samantha Howland

January 15, 1991 - January 29, 2026