November 23, 1933 - April 24, 2025
With profound sadness but great appreciation for a long life well lived, the family of Pamela Blaskovich shares news of her death in her 91st year. Pamela is dearly missed and lovingly remembered by daughter Christina (Barry); son Mark (Celia); grandchildren Griffin, Quinlan, and Thea; extended family and friends in England, Australia and New Zealand; and friends both local and abroad.
Pamela was predeceased by Vincent, her husband of 59 years; parents Bess and Arnold; and sisters Angela and Stella.
Born in Bewdley, Upper Arley, England, though overshadowed by hardships of the WW II years, Mum recalls a happy rural childhood at the family home "Nant Gwilt". Over the course of her schooling, Mum earned many academic accolades, including serving as President of her college. Her teaching career in England and Canada included posts in Biology and Domestic Science.
Mum met her "wild colonial boy" while out on the town in London. After marrying in 1958, she and Dad emigrated to Canada, taking temporary jobs in Hamilton, Ontario. Wanderlust called and an extended road trip in a Morris Minor via the Eastern Seaboard, Mexico and Central USA ended in the Okanagan Valley. Living briefly in the Winfield teacherage, as two of the first staff members of the fledgling George Elliot Secondary School, she and Dad put down permanent roots on acreage in the hills of Okanagan Mission.
Expert seamstress, prolific painter, choral singer, Tai Chi practitioner, steward of nature, devoted wife and mother - Mum was a lifelong learner, selflessly sharing her many talents and skills with parish and community organizations, holding roles as diverse as chair of the 'Mod Mothers' group to President of the Okanagan Symphony Society. Well-travelled, well-read, staunchly (stubbornly!) independent, Mum's genteel manner belied a core of steel whilst espousing her oft recited mantra that it was better to bend like the reed, than break like the oak.
Mum proudly received Canadian citizenship in 1985 and was forever grateful: for the opportunities and gifts Canada offered her and our family; for a rich, full life in the best country in the world; and especially for the sanctuary enjoyed at her beloved "Whispering Winds", where she delighted in gardening and the myriad cats, dogs and horses that shared our home.
In her last years, Mum's health challenges were borne with bravery and grace. With gratitude, we acknowledge the Mission Villas staff, the dedicated care team on Strathcona 4-East and the community of St. Andrew's parish, all of whom provided friendship, kindness, support, and comfort to Mum.
Funeral service and interment will be held Wednesday, May 21/25 at 2 pm at St. Andrew's Anglican Church, 4619 Lakeshore Road, Okanagan Mission. All are welcome who wish to celebrate and remember the demure but indomitable spirit who was Pamela "Chelly" Blaskovich.
In lieu of flowers you are invited to make a donation in Pamela's memory to: Alongside Hope (The Primate's World Relief and Development Fund); BC SPCA (Kelowna branch); Central Okanagan Land Trust. Condolences for the family may be sent to www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com
Drop Thy still dews of quietness,
till all our strivings cease;
take from our souls the strain and stress,
and let our ordered lives confess
the beauty of Thy peace.
~John Greenleaf Whittier
Service Details
2:00 PM