Pamela “ Pam”, aged 80, longtime Scarborough resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Lakeridge Health Bowmanville. Pamela was pre deceased by loving husband of 56 years ,William (Bill) in 2022. Pamela is tremendously missed by her daughters, Irene (Kurt predeceased), Fiona (Keith), grandchildren Callum (Morgan), Elena, siblings Ian (Eve), Diane (Robin predeceased) Michael (predeceased) (Teresa), nieces, nephews, countless cousins and friends.
Pamela was born in London, England to Irene and Peter Dawson. When her father returned from the war, the family moved to Canterbury, Kent where she spent her childhood.
Growing up, she was the eldest, and she always looked out for her three younger siblings. Her passion for animals was apparent from an early age with guinea pigs being loved pets.
Pamela had many hobbies, and Ballet was one she loved, achieving many medals and her teacher’s certificate aged 17 from the Royal Academy of Dance. She also enjoyed singing in several choirs, she also exchanged visits to pen pals in Europe, and she taught her younger sister to knit and sew. She loved travelling, watching theatre, reading true crime, watching Jeopardy, and word games.
At school, she was a bright and studious student, gaining the entry requirements for University. Instead of attending University, she had a rare opportunity to work with computers in London and then in Stevenage, where she met her future husband.
Pam and Bill married shortly after dating and had Irene. In 1968, they immigrated to Ontario, Canada with family and friends settling in the GTA and had their second child Fiona. Pam loved socializing with her family and friends, as there were frequent gatherings or "knees up", which consisted of sing a longs, card games, endless jokes, food and drink.
She established herself in the computer field and was promoted to Systems Analyst Manager for TD Bank until 1989. She changed her career to the financial sector afterwards. She broke through many glass ceilings for other women to follow and made her family proud.
Upon retirement, she actively volunteered online for dog rescues until 80. Pam was very devoted to her family, often supporting her family in all their extracurricular activities. Her greatest joy was being a grandmother and aunt.
Donations may be directed to the Canadian Cancer Society, and Toronto Humane Society.

Funeral details:
Thornton Funeral Centre
1200 Thornton Road North, Oshawa, Ontario
Saturday, August 31, 2024
Funeral Service at 2 pm
* Reception and burial to follow

** This service will be livestreamed ** the livestream will be available on this memorial page 5 minutes prior to the time of the service. There will be a link at the top of this memorial page for guests to click on to view the livestream at 1:55 pm.