We are very sad have to to report the death of Samantha Jennings, a cherished member of our hockey family, who passed on peacefully on 16th February after her long and courageous battle with cancer.

Samantha's radiant personality, kind spirit, and sassy sense of humour left an indelible mark. As a devoted member of Old Loughtonians Hockey club, she excelled from a junior player to a key figure in the ladies 2s and 3s. Beyond the field, her contributions extended to volunteering, supporting social gatherings such as Fun in the Forest, and serving as a gamesmaker at the 2012 London Olympics. It was at the club where Samantha (then James) met Alex Jennings, who at the time was playing in the men’s 1st team, sparking a truly special relationship, for which they were both deeply grateful to the club.

During her tenure at Higgins Construction, Samantha showed her intelligence and wit, balancing her roles with finesse. In 2018, she tied the knot with Alex. Despite the diagnosis just before the wedding, Samantha, alongside Alex, have continued their active support of the club and in 2020 welcomed their daughter, India, into the world.

Samantha embodied grace, humility, and unwavering strength, facing life with resilience, a perpetual smile, and a twinkle in her eyes.

Let us honour her memory by raising a glass, sharing a smile, and celebrating the incredible life of Samantha Jennings.

Samantha lived by the golden rule, treating everyone as she wished to be treated. Her unwavering belief in kindness defined her character. During her challenging times, Samantha received exceptional care at Isabel Hospice. If you would like to contribute, we have included the link to their GoFundMe page, honouring her spirit and compassion.