Tributes For College Student From N.J. Known As 'Mom,' Found Dead In Her Apartment

Samantha "Sam" Suchovic had accomplished so much by the age of 21. Mostly, she was driven by a selfless devotion to causes that, to her friends and family, was unmatched.

That's why they called the New Jersey native "mom."

Now her hometown of Lebanon Township, and her college, are grieving and puzzled by Suchovic's sudden death in her off-campus apartment last week.

Ron Peterson, principal of the Voorhees High School, said he kept a picture on his office wall of Sam working with Habitat for Humanity. He said she came from a "great class," the class of 2013.

"She was a very very involved student," Peterson said. "Just a great all-around student — very involved in the school, very involved in the community, very involved in Habitat for Humanity."

"She was a bright light. It's such a shame."

Suchovic, a University of Massachusetts senior, died Sept. 1 at the Pufton Village apartment complex near the Amherst institution, according to a statement from Senior Associate Dean of Students David Vaillancourt.

Her death was not considered suspicious, according to the college. "Our deepest condolences are shared with the family, friends," the college said in a statement.

Suchovic was a senior psychology major with a minor in education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She was a graduate of Voorhees High School in Hunterdon County, according to her obituary.

But she was especially active in Habitat for Humanity. Indeed, flowers are welcome, but donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity, according to her obituary from the William J. Leber Funeral Home in Chester.

Kerrin Hughes, a fellow UMass student, noted on the obituary tribute page that she only knew Suchovic briefly when she volunteered at the "Out of Darkness Walk Against Suicide" during the spring 2015 semester.

But Suchovic left a strong, selfless impression on her.

"She did a fantastic job organizing the event and it was a successful walk that touched the hearts of everyone who attended," she wrote. "I want you to know how much that event alone has had such an impact on my life here at UMass and that Sam was the reason."

Hughes said she could always pinpoint "her beautiful face and shining smile."

"I am so glad that I was able to meet your precious daughter, sister, niece, grandchild and friend," she wrote to the family. "She truly lived a full life, and although cut short, she certainly has a legacy."

Suchovic was born on March 27, 1995 in New Brunswick and was a lifelong resident of Lebanon Township in Hunterdon County, according to her obituary.

"Sam was extremely generous with her time and loved helping others. She modestly led by example, never looking for praise or recognition," according to her obituary.

"She was known affectionately as 'mom' amongst friends, always taking care of everyone."

She enjoyed volunteering as an intern at Full Circle Adoption, New2U and local Amherst schools as well as Habitat for Humanity. She was a resident assistant and a student supervisor at UMass.

Suchovic loved to run and was on the track and cross country teams all four years of high school. She was a recipient of the Girl Scout Gold award and member of VHS Key club.

"Sam had more of an impact on the world in 21 years than most people have in a lifetime," according to her obituary.

"Sam was not in my class but I knew her as a hard-working AP Biology student and very nice person," Teri Bellows, a science teacher at Voorhees High School, wrote on Suchovic's obituary tribute page.

"What wonderful accomplishments she has made; and so much happiness she brought to others in such a short time."

Other friends and people who knew her from high school and elsewhere paid tribute on social media:

Suchovic is survived by her parents, Daniel M. and Frances (nee Arcay) Suchovic; her siblings, Matthew and Jessica; her grandparents, Daniel G. Suchovic and Robert and Frances Arcay; her dog, Bean, and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Suchovic was predeceased by her grandmother, Maryann Suchovic.

A celebration of Suchovic's life will include a visitation on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at St. Luke Parish, 265 West Mill Road, in Long Valley.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Luke Parish. Interment will be held privately by the family.

Photo: William J. Leber Funeral Home