Pamela Grace Garraway

Pamela Grace Garraway was born in Liverpool, England on February 27, 1948. As a child, she travelled to British Honduras (now Belize) where her father was working for the British government. In 1954 her father, Les Hughan, mother Jeanie Hughan and her brother, Ross moved to Canada, first to Toronto where she took secretarial studies in Brampton and met her lifelong friend, Diane. She next moved to Victoria where the family resided on Linden Street. Her first major driving trip was from Toronto to Victoria, with her younger brother Mitch, soon after receiving her licence. Upon arrival, Pamela worked as a legal secretary in offices around the city, where she established many lasting friendships.

On New Year’s Eve of 1969 on the bunny slope at Forbidden Plateau, she met Gary Garraway. They were married on May 8, 1971 at the Fairfield United Church. They honeymooned in the Rockies, where Pam had just taken her cousin, Mary, for a quick tour of B.C. They had two children, Stasia and Brent. One of Pamela’s dreams was to be a mother, and because of this she was fully devoted to family life and the raising of her two children. Some of the family’s early adventures included walks up Mt. Finlayson, camping trips at Long Beach and Parksville, staying with her dear friends, Darryl and Sandy, at their cabin at Lake Okanagan, house-boating on Shuswap Lake, as well as visiting Disneyland. Later, trips were made to Greece, Italy, Hawaii, California, Oregon, Haida Gwaii, Eastern Canada, France, England and Wales. Pam loved to travel and she was especially endeared to the time she spent with her cousin Mary and Mary’s husband, Elias, in Greece.

Pam loved music, from her very first concert with the Beatles in 1964 (in her home-sewn Beatles’ dress) to concerts with John Denver, Ringo Starr, and Cher. She also adored musicals like Mamma Mia and Les Miserables. She loved art and visited museums and galleries throughout the world including the Louvre, the British Museum, the Roman Coliseum, the Sistine Chapel and the Acropolis. La Biennale di Venezia was a highlight of her visit to Italy.

Pam had many friends with whom she developed deep and treasured friendships. She was always out for long walks or lunches with Leona, Sandy, MaryLyn and Carol. She also had a close relationship with her ‘Group of Seven’ from her fitness classes at Gordon Head Rec Centre – Bea, Merron, Judy, Susan, Pat and Diane (also a lifelong friend).

Later in Pam’s life, due to her friendship with Carol, she started gardening, and her back garden was a sanctuary for her. She loved sitting on the patio listening to the birds and admiring all the flowers growing around her. It was her favourite place to drink coffee, read or entertain.

Pam was always very empathetic and caring which is why she held such an appreciative place in the hearts of her friends and family. She was a deep and compassionate listener, and always had emotionally insightful replies. Her children, Stasia and Brent, will particularly miss their long dialogues with her about everything under the sun.

Pam’s dining room table will be sad for her absence as well, as she always kept the table full of beautiful food, candles and wine. She was the orchestrator of all family dining functions and made sure each meal was something to celebrate, taking turns preparing everyone’s favourite recipes.

On July 22, 2017, Pam had the joy of witnessing her son Brent’s marriage to Nichelle Soetaert. This was one of the happiest days of her life – to know her son had found such an incredible woman with whom to share a life. Nichelle embodied so many qualities that were of value to Pam, such as honesty, sensitivity, generosity, strength, intelligence, and individuality. Pam could not have been more delighted to welcome Nichelle into the family.

Two years ago another joyful element was added to Pam’s life due to the arrival of her grandchild, Daxton. Pam had been waiting years for a grandchild and it became very clear why she had been somewhat impatient. She and Daxton had the sweetest and most soulful connection. In the two years they shared together Daxton received so much love from her Nana. Pam loved having tea parties with Daxton, feeding the ducks at Cedar Hill golf course, making things with play-dough, reading to her, going to the Museum, visiting Butterfly World, and singing and dancing with her. Pam was all smiles every time Daxton was around. Even though her time with Daxton was limited to the first two years of Daxton’s life, the two formed an unbreakable bond and we know that Pam is now the Guardian Angel that watches over Daxton and the Star that lights up the sky for her.

Stasia and Brent will be forever grateful for how much love Pam gave them while they were growing up, and how she made sure they were raised in a house of laughter and adventure. Pam wanted her children to be well-rounded, so anything they wanted to study or try, she did her best to make it available to them. With Brent, she supported him as he pursued soccer at his highest level. She wanted him to experience the world and the people in it and this was reflected in his interest in travel, his humanitarian work and his career choices. For Stasia, Pam was present at every dance event and encouraged her to follow her dreams wherever they led, including towards her professions of photography and writing.

Pam taught her children to appreciate all the fantastic elements of the west coast and to see beauty in the smallest things. She modelled the importance of manners and respecting every other individual no matter who they were. She shared her insights about the world and the wisdom that can be gained by being open to change. She was always there 100% through the challenges and the celebrations. She listened deeply to her children’s travails and always tried to offer an open-minded and helpful opinion. She made her children and everyone else around her feel safe and seen.

Pam was an amazing wife and she enjoyed more than 50 years at Gary’s side; raising their kids, riding bicycles, taking long walks, playing badminton and tennis, enjoying time with Gary’s band for social evenings with Pam, Marg and Anne (and their husbands) and sharing many trips together throughout Canada and Europe. Her absence reveals just how close they were as a couple and she will be missed more than she will ever know.

For the last few decades, Pam was also the main companion and caregiver to her mother, Jeanie, who lived with Pam and Gary. She provided friendship, conversations, meals, cleaning, and everything necessary for Jeanie to spend extended time with her family. At 102 years old, Jeanie grieves the loss of her daughter.

Pam always stood at the door to wave any visitor goodbye, after giving them a very big hug. These hugs will be missed by many. Her family will seek to live by her lessons of kindness and exuberance for life. They are grateful for all the years they shared with her and will seek to celebrate life in her honour.

The family sends thanks for all of the phone calls, emails, cards, visits, food, thoughtful comments and care. If you have any photos of Pam that you would like to send to the family, it would be much appreciated.

The family would also like to thank McCall’s, Saanich Police, the Ambulance Service and the Coroner’s Service for their support and assistance throughout this difficult time.

The family is hoping to organize a fundraiser next year to raise money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Details will be forthcoming.

Pam will be remembered for her smile, her laugh, her patience, her way of supporting others, her tenderness, her sweet dance moves and her love of life. She will be in our hearts and memories forever. We love you, Pam!

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
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