Pamela Mary Rowden (Harris) Richardson

A Lady Among Us:
 In Loving Memory of Pamela Mary Rowden (Harris) Richardson 

Pamela, like a bloom in her cherished garden, graced the lives of all who knew her with her warmth and beautiful sapphire spirit.  Genuine, sweet, engaging, caring, and elegant until the end, Pamela passed away in Northridge, California just shy of her 95th birthday.  She was the epitome of British wit and resilience.

Born and raised in the rolling hills of Berkshire, England, Pamela blossomed into a young woman of ability and ambition.  Her studies in chemistry at Oxford Polytechnic (1950s) led her to her future husband, Ronald.  Newly married in 1956, they embarked on a grand adventure, emigrating to Canada on the ocean liner Canadian Pacific Empress of France to start a new life. 

The couple’s first child was born in 1957.  In 1960, the young couple moved to the US, where their second child was born.  Throughout their many relocations, Pamela remained a pillar of strength and support.  Whether raising their children, nurturing her beloved gardens, or excelling in various roles – substitute teacher, medical librarian, real estate agent – her enthusiasm never faltered.  She never forgot her English heritage, retaining her delightful British accent, celebrating holidays with traditional foods and activities, a daily teatime, and of course, gin and tonics.  A venture into a Christmas pudding enterprise with a friend further showcased her curiosity and appetite for discovery. 

Upon settling in Cannon Beach, Oregon (1989 – 2021), Pamela focused on creating her garden, which became a masterpiece of color and texture — a testament to her tireless love and green thumb.  Her knowledge of both Latin and common plant names was admirable.  Following Ron's passing (2002), she found solace in listening to music, feeding her birds, and tending to her blooms, just as she nurtured the love of her family and countless friends.  She embraced the computer and internet age, mastered her cell phone, email and texting, and programming her VCR.

Between long walks on the beach and pampering her feline companions, Pamela would often volunteer her time in local libraries, garden clubs and arts associations.  She rarely sat still — except to devour a good book. Pamela often had a ticket booked to a faraway land, actualizing her lifelong dream to see the world.  As health challenges arose, Pamela never lost her radiant smile or contagious energy, brightening every room she entered, leaving an indelible mark on all who encountered her. 

Pamela leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and resilience.  She loved life and lived it fully.  Her memory, like the perfume of one of her cherished roses, will forever bloom in the hearts of her sister, Anne; children, Rhoda and Phil; grandson PMatt; and countless others whose lives she touched.  She will be remembered always as a devoted sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

A memorial tea will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Tolovana Hall in Cannon Beach, Oregon, a fitting celebration for a life that bloomed with grace and beauty.  For memorial information, please contact Rhoda Lawrence (206) 457-7871. 

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Please no flowers.  Donations in Memory of Pamela may be made to:  

Clatsop Animal Assistance

Friends of Haystack Rock