Samantha “Sam” Friedlander

Samantha passed away on December 29th, 2024, leaving behind her family, a legacy of love for horses and animals and an unwavering dedication to her horse community. She was born on July 24, 1985, in Lansing, Michigan to Louis and Nancy Friedlander. Sam discovered a passion for horses at a young age, she also learned to sew from her mother and grandmother. She loved movies, especially Marvel and Star Wars and assembled many Lego models oftentimes with her niece and nephew. 

Samantha graduated from Waverly High School in 2003, after which she attended Western Michigan University where she obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Chemical Engineering. While at Western, she joined the collegiate equestrian team. Her love of animals and community led her to work at Potter Park Zoo where she developed close friendships with many animals and coworkers. In 2010, she graduated from Michigan State University with her Master’s of Science in Chemical Engineering followed by a career in Engineering at General Motors. Sam loved to travel with her parents, often tagging along with them to square dance competitions or cruising through Norway looking for the Northern Lights. As an adult, Sam fulfilled a lifelong dream when she purchased her horse, Cobalt. She found joy and purpose in the companionship of her beloved horse. Together, they shared countless adventures, from ground work and grooming sessions to competing in local dressage competitions, embodying the spirit of connection and joy that defines the bond between horse and rider. 

Sam was not only a devoted equestrian but also a cherished member of her barn community. Known for her quick smile and inquisitive spirit, she was always ready to lend a helping hand, whether it was assisting fellow riders or volunteering for barn events. She loved having her niece and nephew out to the barn to ride and groom Cobalt.  She took great joy in being around horses and her equestrian community. True to her engineer nature, Sam’s enthusiasm for problem solving and sharing her horse knowledge fostered a sense of camaraderie that will be remembered by all who knew her. Sam also had a great love of local farmers’ markets, trying new restaurants and going to trivia nights with friends. She would sew anything for anyone and loved to take a walk down to the lake by her house or head over to downtown Howell for seasonal events. Sam was a devoted cat lover, sharing her life with her cat Teddy and then Mocha. They both brought her much joy and companionship. 

Samantha is survived by her parents, Louis and Nancy Friedlander; sister Melanie (Walter) Kacynski; niece Allison Kacynski; and nephew Owen Kacynski, who will forever carry her memory in their hearts. In honor of Sam’s love for horses, donations can be made to Horses Haven ensuring her spirit continues on through helping horses and animals in need. 

A celebration of Samantha’s life will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing, MI 48933, with visitation starting at 6:00 p.m. where friends and family can come together to share stories and memories of a life lived with passion, purpose, and love for her family and the equestrian world. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Horses’ Haven in Howell, Michigan.