Pamela was the 2nd of two daughters born to Ronald and Ethel Jones. She and her older sister, Karen, were both born in Virginia, and used to being moved around as required by their father's moving through his career as a college professor. Pamela's mother was an "at home Mom," who's love and gentle spirit assured the stability of her girls.
Through youth and young adulthood, Pamela dabbled in a variety of interests, including ballet; ice skating, guitar and choir.
Pamela moved to Canada at age 10, and, at this age, was already a poet and longing for understanding of great literature. Following this path, she eventually got her B.A. in Classical Studies, M.A. in Philosophy, and more graduate studies in comparative literature, all at the University of British Columbia. Her next step was attending Simon Fraser University, where she studied for her Ph.D. in English Literature, and met a special friend and mentor, the late Dr. Robert Dunham. His example helpe4d form her philosophy of teaching students trust and respect for both material and themselves. In September of 1990, Pamela took a position at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, where she thrived in the natural beauty of the area, and with the university's openness to interdisciplinary studies.
At the age of 41, serious health issues arose, and a series of spine related surgeries made it impossible to return to her teaching passion. In December of 2005, she agreed to being moved back to Vancouver, B.C. to be cared for by family, initially, and, eventually, devoted 24 hour caregivers. In the nine years since, Pamela has suffered with increasingly complicated conditions demanding the constant attention of specialists. Much to her angst, no one was able to cure anything, or really offer hope of returning to, what she would consider, a productive life.
Throughout her life, her brilliant mind presenting an amazing wit, and memory to be reckoned with. All of her writing, whether a thesis, or email, entertained and awed the reader. She had the respect and admiration of many, and her legacy is probably as varied as the people who love her.
Pamela is survived by her mother, Ethel Jones, sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Roger Nelson, niece Johannah Nelson and her sons, Shane and Jason, and her partner, Chris Sena and his son Hayden and daughter Olivia, nephew Timothy Nelson. We would be remised if we did not herald her extremely devoted and compassionate caregivers, who were like family to Pamela, and rose seamlessly to managing the myriad of challenges Pamela's health care presented. We would like to express special appreciation to the last four of her employ: Violeta Del Rosario, Isabeau Tristan, Jean Dyer and Lestine DeLoatch. Pamela's physician, Dr. Isaiah Bregman, has become more a family friend, as he has treated Pamela in her home, and advocated tirelessly on her behalf to put in place the kind of care and environment in which she wished to spend her last days. He appeared at Pamela's home in the middle of the night to comfort mother and sister just as Pamela passed on.
Pamela and her cats have been inseparable for 17 years. We said good-bye to Peanut in November, but Blackie was a loving presence to the end. She has been adopted by Carley, the adoring vet tech who has been caring for both cats in Pamela's home for years.
The support and concern of family, friends and acquaintances has sustained us despite the inability of healthcare specialists to "fix" Pamela's physical brokenness. The little joys in her life included seasonal flowers lovingly planted around her patio, her bird and hummingbird friends, bright colored lights inside and out, and even two plastic flamingos from a cousin in Florida! For all of the love, we are grateful.
If you are considering gifts in memory of Pamela, we suggest VOKRA, a kitten rescue society that employs Carley, or Parkview Services Group Home, an amazing environment for adults with disabilities, directed by nephew, Tim Nelson.
www.orphankittenrescue.com
www.parkviewservices.org/group-home
