Passed away suddenly but peacefully at her residence on March 21, 2015 in her 80th year. She was predeceased by her husband, Colin Joseph Karasek. Leaving to mourn with cherished memories are children: Elvira (Ian) Kurylyk, Lot 16, PEI; Gary (Daisy) Karasek, Halifax, NS; Jane (Noel) Hogan, Steady Brook, NL; and Lawrence (Kristin) Karasek, Los Angeles, CA; twelve grandchildren: Zachary and Barret Kurylyk, Rebecca Eastwood, Katrina Burrill, Laura Deschenes, Nicholas, Kelsey, and Riley Hogan, Katrina, Lauren, Colin, and Theodore Karasek; and nine great grandchildren: Daniel, Asher, Christian, and Enya Burrill, Silas and Joab Eastwood, Carrie Anne and Samuel Deschenes, and Juliet Kurylyk. She will also be remembered by a wide circle of extended family and friends. Special thanks to family friend Barry Smith. A celebration of her life will be held at The Bungalow, Bowring Park on Saturday March 28, 2015 from 2:00-5:00 pm. Flowers are gratefully accepted or donations may be made in Pam's memory to a charity of one's choice.

Pam was a vibrant woman who embraced life, family and friendships. She had a love for writing, reading, poetry, gardening, cooking, music, wine tasting, traveling and following professional tennis. Born in Maidstone, in Southeast England in 1934, she experienced the gripping struggles of WW II as a young girl and also the profound joy once the war ended. After she met Colin, the young couple came to Western Canada in 1957 where they experienced new adventures and started a family. Elvira was born in Saskatchewan; then came Gary, born in Alberta. Settling in Newfoundland in 1963, Pam and Colin quickly built strong friendships and integrated themselves into the St. John's community. Pam had a passion for the arts community and actively competed in squash. There was an instant allure of the British traditions of the Crow's Nest, which was a basis for many of Pam and Colin's enduring friendships. In 1966 a new job opportunity for Colin took the family, including the recently-arrived Jane, to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Lawrence was later born. The family enjoyed travels in Kenya and the many cultural fascinations of east Africa before returning to Newfoundland in 1968. Pam had a great aptitude for building relationships, and her love of people and community contributed to her leadership in the cultural and non-profit Newfoundland community. Following her work with MUN Extension Service, she was a founding member and editor of "What's Happening" magazine to help develop the tourism and cultural community. She led several key cultural events for the province including the Humphrey Gilbert 400th Anniversary Celebrations, the Sir Wilfred Grenfell Centenary and the Citizens' Forum on Canada's Future. Many Newfoundlanders in the most remote parts of the province had the good fortune to be endeared to Pam in her travels and work. She became Executive Director of the Quidi Vidi Rennies River Foundation in the latter part of her career and brought the benefits of the river and the natural environment to so many, retiring after eight years in 2002. After retirement, Pam continued to enjoy an active and vibrant life, making many treasured memories with family and friends.