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Pamela Marie Carss
August 15, 1959 - April 9, 2025
Tribute
Pamela Marie Carss
August 15, 1959 – April 9, 2025
Born in Manchester, England, on August 15th, 1959, to John and Ann, Pamela (“Pam”) spent her early years between continents. Though born in England, she and her father moved to South Africa, where she spent most of her youth and teenage years. Together, they embraced adventure and found a chosen family in dear friends Shirley, Jackie, Norma, and Ron.
In her early twenties, Pam—along with her then-husband Phil—made a bold move from the hot sun of South Africa to what they fondly called “the fridge,” also known as Canada. Here, they raised their two children, Kim (known as Ginja) and Paul, while Pam pursued her education to become an early childhood educator.
Pam had an extraordinary heart for children. Her life’s work was dedicated to early childhood education. She brought warmth, creativity, and joy to countless little ones through her own at-home childcare business TREE TOPS DAYCARE. Her energy and imagination knew no bounds; she was a constant source of crafts, games, and sing-alongs.
In 2014, after many years of dating, she married Chris Carss, with whom she shared many more fun adventures. Chris and Pam found joy in going to local theatre productions, taking Paul out to live music, and watching comedy shows like “Whose line is it anyway?” They made a beautiful home and garden together in Chemainus.
In retirement, Pam continued to be a vibrant and generous presence in her community. She dedicated countless hours to the Chemainus Neighbourhood House and was deeply involved in her local church and Sunday School programs. Whether offering care, support, or simply a listening ear, Pam found true joy in giving back and building meaningful connections with those around her.
A Church Service in honour of Pam’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, April 27th, at the Pentecostal Church in Chemainus. Pam loved vibrant colours, so please come wearing your favourite bright and cheerful attire. The one-hour service will be followed by snacks and refreshments outdoors. If you are so inclined and are able, her family welcomes flower bulbs or plants for her garden.
A Celebration of Life will take place on August 17th in Cobble Hill. If you would like to attend, please connect with a member of her family.
Pam was the kind of person who made a room feel like home just by walking into it. She brought light, laughter, and comfort wherever she went.
Her parting message to us all:
“Always enjoy every moment of life – it’s too fast. Do all the things you want to do so you never regret a moment. And… don’t succumb to too much alcohol.”
In her final moments, Pam was surrounded by love. With her daughter and son-in-law by her side, she asked to listen to “The Waterslide” by Stuart McLean—one of her favourite Vinyl Cafe stories. In it, Dave constructs a wild, homemade waterslide in his backyard for the neighbourhood kids during a sweltering summer. As always with Dave, things get hilariously out of hand, but joy and community win in the end. It was the perfect story for Pam: messy, full of heart, and filled with laughter.
Condolences
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From: H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre
H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Casey Jones
Relation: family friend & and treetops graduate
Pam was a cornerstone of my early childhood. The community at treetops that she fostered was something that I’ll always cherish. Daycare at Pam’s is some of my earliest and fondest memories. I always looked forward playing video games with Paul and look back on those experiences fondly.
From: Janis Jones
Relation: friend
Pam was a gift.
I met Pam at St. Andrews Anglican church while our children were still young. She radiated a quiet, self-assured confidence, which drew me to her. I entrusted my son to her at Tree Tops Daycare and never doubted my confidence in her. When I was working 10 to 12-hour days I would drop him off in the early hours, and the house was filled with the smells and warmth of breakfast. I never wanted to leave that cozy environment! It was quite common for my son to gleefully run down the driveway and in the door before me. He loved Pams Place. Pam was a treasure, and I look fondly back on those years and often see the imprint of Pam’s Place on my son’s character today.
I consider her a gift sent from God.
In the picture, my son is seated in front of Pam
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered at:
Blooms at 49th Parallel – 778-422-0262
Floral Bar at Party Mood – www.floralbar.ca or 250-701-3151
Floral Department at Thrifty Foods – http://floral.thriftyfoods.
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the Funeral Home information.
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Send Condolence - For Pamela Carss
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