Mary Suzanne “Sam” Gillahan, a woman of deep faith and elegant style, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, in Louisville, KY, surrounded by her family. Born on August 29, 1949, Sam was a lifelong resident of Louisville and lived a life defined by her devotion to God, her family, and her many cherished friendships.

A proud graduate of Angela Merici High School, Sam spent her professional years as a dedicated Sales Associate, where her natural warmth and eye for detail served her well. However, her true vocation was her faith; she was a faithful and devoted member of the Gardiner Lane Church of Christ for 50 years.

Sam had a zest for life that kept her constantly on the move. Whether she was traveling the world with her beloved "Widow Group," playing cards at the J-Town Senior Center, or enjoying a long lunch with friends, she did it all with a signature sense of fashion. On quieter afternoons, she could be found lost in a Danielle Steel novel or enjoying the simple comfort of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Above all else, Sam loved the Lord and cherished every moment spent with her family, especially her great-grandchildren.

Sam was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Marshall Theodore “Ted” Gillahan; her son, Jason Shawn Gillahan; her parents, Francis Julius Levy Sr. and Catherine Mildred McDermott; her step-mother, Dorothy Walker-Levy; and her sister, Paula O’Bryant.

Her legacy of love lives on through her son, Shawn Michael Gillahan (Tiffany); her siblings, Frank Levy, Carol Haynes, Nita Ramsey, and Michael Levy; her grandchildren, Brent Gillahan (Bridgette) and Lillian Benoist; and her great-grandchildren, Calvin Rodewig and Hayden Gillahan.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 10th, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Fern Creek Funeral Home. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, April 11th, at 10:00 AM, followed by a procession to her final resting place at Brookland Cemetery in Brooks, KY.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Sam’s honor to: Gardiner Lane Church of Christ, 420 4 Gardiner View Ave, Louisville, KY 40213 (Attn: Rob & Lynn Miller)