Pamela Marie Carss

August 15, 1959 - April 9, 2025

In loving memory ~

Born in Manchester, England, on August 15th, 1959, to John and Ann Sutton, 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 TreeTops 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.