Samantha Nicole Schlemmer

Samantha “Sami” Nicole Schlemmer (Sweet and Sassy Sam), 23, of Tustin, California passed away surrounded by the unequivocal love of her family, on September 28, 2025.  Sami was born into this world ready to make a difference on August 18th, 2002.  She was the 4th and youngest child of David and Kara Schlemmer. She is survived by her beloved parents, her sister Katy, her 2 brothers, Nick and Joey, as well as a multitude of extended family.  Sami was born with an ultra-rare genetic, metabolic channelopathy that affected multiple organ systems over time but it didn’t stop her from living her life out loud while inspiring others to do the same.  At the early age of just 6 years old, she packed up her medical supplies and attended her first overnight summer camp, at the Painted Turtle in Lake Hughes, California.  For the next 12 years when medically able, she returned to camp each summer to lead and guide other kids with her hope-filled heart. When she aged out of  being a camper at 18, she officially joined the leadership team and loved every minute of it. Sami also loved science and research and by the age of 8 years old, she was traveling back and forth from California to Bethesda, Maryland to work with the NIH (National Institutes of Health).  She participated in various clinical trials and programs with the hope of helping other metabolic and mitochondrial patients gain access to better treatments. In between her scheduled appointments during these east coast visits, she juggled adventures in and out of Washington DC and cherished visits with family and friends while staying at the Children’s Inn. Sami made history as the very first human patient to be diagnosed with a SLC12A2 gene mutation. This connected her to Delpire Lab at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN . Her work there forever changed the trajectory of NKCC1 Deficiency for the many patients that have now been found from all over the world. Sami was also cared for deeply by her treating hospital, Choc Childrens in Orange County, CA. There is no doubt that they truly defended her childhood and helped raise her into adulthood as she spent many days, nights and holidays inpatient over her lifetime.  Through it all, Sweet and Sassy Sam was the definition of HOPE.  She was incredibly resilient and tenacious and found a way to persevere through every single obstacle that came her way.  She could pivot and change her path better than most. On her 10th birthday, she asked for a Website so she could spread hope to others that may be struggling as well.  That website turned into a non-profit organization called Bacon Bits of Hope and she was deemed the “Chief Hope Officer” at induction. She took her position very seriously and lead multiple Hope-filled projects during the next 13 years of her life.  Sami was the most beautiful daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter, cousin, and friend to so many.  She was a lover of all things Disney, an avid Disney Pin Trader, a duck tape genius, loved adventures out on the road traveling the US, enjoyed spending time in the RV camping with friends and family, and had a way of demanding to be seen and heard by everyone whom she loved the most. She reminded us all that “Hope is real and can be anything that you want it to be”

All are invited to attend her Funeral Service at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Tustin, California on Saturday October 25th at 2pm.    Casual, comfortable attire with colors, sparkles or Disney encouraged.

Sweet and Sassy PARTY to celebrate her LIFE- immediately following the church service at the Schlemmer Home.  Open House Style  3pm-10pm

(For those wanting to attend the Rosary, it will be held before the service, starting at 1:30pm)

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her honor to her foundation, Bacon Bits of Hope so her HOPE Legacy can continue!

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PVNTGT7NTZJP2

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