Truro, NS
October 9, 2024
Pamela Elizabeth Tonary – 85, Truro, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro.
Born in Amherst, she was the daughter of the late George and Frances (Edgecumbe) Gillespie.
Pam is survived by her lifelong friend, Christine McBain, who has been like a sister to her and by Pam’s former husband, Tom Tonary.
Having lived a full and adventurous life, it is difficult to reduce Pam’s story down to a few words. What follows are just a few of the highlights.
Raised in Truro, Pam graduated from Colchester County Academy, following which, she obtained her BA from Acadia University. After graduating from University of Toronto (BSW and MSW), Pam embarked on a career in social work that would take her across the country and around the world, including Saint John, NB; Port of Spain, Trinidad; Toronto and St. Catharine’s, Ontario; and Calgary, Alberta, before returning to Truro where she worked at Colchester Regional Hospital for many years until her retirement.
An avid swimmer throughout her life, Pam enjoyed her morning laps at Centennial Pool, then the RECC right up to this year for as long as her health would allow. She was also a passionate figure skating fan, and a world-traveler who had a keen eye for photography and a love of books and reading. She loved animals, especially her many cats including Stripes and Sasha, with whom she will be thrilled to be reunited.
Pam’s friends were her family. She always looked forward to her regular get-togethers with her "Lunch Crew" and she cultivated many close relationships with people through her countless hours volunteering in the community, including with Colchester Historical Society, Truro Vet Clinic, and at the hospital. Some of her closest bonds of friendship were perhaps formed through paddling. As a founding member of Dragon Boat Team SOS (Survivors on Shortts Lake). Pam was a true leader who will leave a lasting legacy of helping breast cancer survivors and supporters heal and flourish while out on the water all together as one.
All are invited to attend a graveside funeral service that will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Terrace Hill Cemetery, Kaulback Street, Truro, Reverend Shannon MacLean officiating. (Please feel free to bring a lawn chair.)
If so desired, donations in Pam’s memory to We Care About Cancer fund (CEHHC) or Colchester SPCA are welcomed.
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