Pamela Ada Dzenis (née Campbell)

Born January 24, 1953 in Carberry, Manitoba. Died peacefully on October 11, 2018, surrounded by family at the EW Bickle Centre for Complex Care in Toronto.

Pam was the youngest child of Jean and Donald H. “Duke” Campbell, and her childhood was spent on ranches and racetracks with some of Canada’s most legendary jockeys and thoroughbreds. As a teenager, her charisma and warmth landed her the title of Prom Queen at Bayview Secondary School--the news coverage of which opened the door to a short-lived modelling career.

In 1973 she met the love of her life, Andy Dzenis. After graduating from the University of Waterloo in 1974, she joined him in Toronto and started her career, first in banking and eventually in market research at A.C. Nielsen. She took a hiatus in the mid-80s to raise two daughters, but returned to the workforce in the 90s with a job in advertising sales at the Town Crier community newspaper. In an era before email, it was a job that demanded face-to-face networking and Pam thrived, becoming a familiar face to many on the bustling Bayview Ave strip in the heart of Leaside.

Travel was a passion that Pam shared not only with Andy but also her friends and daughters. Memorable trips included beach houses in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina; getaways to Sorrento and Carmel-by-the-Sea; family travels throughout France; exploring the homestead in Cardston, Alberta; summers at the cottage with Garry and Dillon; girlfriends’ weekends to Mont Tremblant; a painting tour of Italy; and many, many cross-country road trips with her best friend, Lotta Harasym. Her final adventure was joining Andy on a work assignment in Houston, Texas--over the four years spent there Pam reconnected with her country roots. Afternoons spent in the sun at Galveston Beach were a favourite, especially with Candy dog in tow.

Pam loved cooking and entertaining: she shared recipes with her “Gourmet Club” and raised her family with a curiosity for new tastes and unique ingredients. While she was unable to host dinner parties in her later years, it was always large, boisterous gatherings (including both of her daughters’ weddings) that truly brought Pam to life. Her sense of humour and welcoming smile will be deeply missed.

Pam is survived by her husband, Andy, her daughters Paige (José Lourenço) and Lauren (AJ Amer), her granddaughter, Winnie Lourenço, sister, Darlene Matthews (Ed), and nephew and niece, Donald (Natalie) and Katie Campbell. Pam was predeceased by her brother, Donald J. Campbell. The family is especially grateful to Agnes Bargamento, whose dedication and compassion as Pam’s caregiver made her final years as comfortable and dignified as possible.

Pam’s life will be celebrated on November 2, 2018, at 1 p.m. at the Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.