Pamela Bennett

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Pamela Lynn Bennett (December 16, 1979-September 9, 2023). She is predeceased by her loving mother, Suzanne Bennett (d.2019). Pamela is survived by her adoring four-year-old daughter, Clare Sousa (Esmeraldo Sousa), father Bruce Bennett, sisters Sharon Bennett (Scott Rocks) and Diana Stewart (Chris Stewart) and brother George Bennett. She was a wonderful aunt to Maitland, Aidan and Liam Rocks and Margaret and Henry Stewart. Pamela is also survived by many more aunts, uncles, cousins and close family friends. Her family loved and cherished her dearly. She was often the one who put together special birthday, Christmas and “just because” presents to show her love of family. We could depend on Pamela to find the silliest, but also most thoughtful gifts. But Pamela’s biggest gift was her presence in all of our lives.

Pamela had many accomplishments throughout her life. While growing up in Burlington, Ontario, she played many sports and she later ran for the University of Guelph. She completed many half-marathons and triathlons with her sisters and later was a frequent volunteer for charity road races. Pamela became fluent in French after a year overseas in France and carried that experience through her University days. Pamela loved to travel and eat delicious food, sit in the sunshine and meet new people.

Pam (as she was known to her friends), was a loyal, generous and caring friend who was quick to laugh and love, always up for an adventure and willing to share her honest opinion. Her laugh was infectious and she often found herself in a fit of giggles. We will forever miss her laugh.

In her professional life, Pamela was known to be driven, creative and passionate about building teams and delivering high quality results. She was always challenging herself to learn, grow and develop her leadership skills and her spirit and energy touched many with whom she worked.

Pamela loved sunflowers. When you happen upon a sunflower in bloom, we hope you remember her laughter and see her bright smile.

Cremation has taken place. A private memorial for Pamela will take place with her family at a later date, where she will be laid to rest next to her mother.

Pamela’s family would like to thank the many family and personal friends of Pamela’s who were there for her and held her up during her journey.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, a donation can be made to benefit Clare's future at donationforclare@gmail.com. We welcome friends and family to share a favourite story of Pamela so we may put together a memory book for Clare. Please feel free to do so at donationforclare@gmail.com.

Excerpt from: On the Death of the Beloved by John O’Donohue

Let us not look for you only in memory,

Where we would grow lonely without you.

You would want us to find you in presence,

Beside us when beauty brightens,

When kindness glows

And music echoes eternal tones.

When orchids brighten the earth,

Darkest winter has turned to spring;

May this dark grief flower with hope

In every heart that loves you.

May you continue to inspire us:

To enter each day with a generous heart.

To serve the call of courage and love

Until we see your beautiful face again

In that land where there is no more separation,

Where all tears will be wiped from our mind,

And where we will never lose you again.