PAMELA CARPENTER (nee Van Dusen), 79, sweet, smart, and much loved, passed away peacefully at her home in East Falls on Sept. 18, 2015, surrounded by family and friends.
Pam handled a rare and devastating neurological illness, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), with dignity and grace for several years and preserved her sense of humor and her keen interest in other people until the end.
A resident of Center City for 34 years beginning in 1966, Pam formed a strong connection with everyone she met, opening her rowhouse on St. James Street to all and sundry.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, John; children Sarah, E. Gilbert (Gib), Jennifer, Mary, and Rachel; grandchildren Georgia, Christopher, Katherine, Lilia, and Milo; numerous nieces and nephews; and twin brother Peter and younger sister Teita (Van Dusen Reveley).
Native Minnesotan, Smith College alumna (’58), board member of the YWCA at 20th and Chestnut, vestry member of Trinity Memorial Church, girl scout leader, Great Books instructor at the Greenfield School in the ’70s, bookkeeper at William H. Allen Bookseller, librarian at the career placement office of the Wharton School in the ’80s and ’90s… she was the light of our lives.
Service to be held Sat., Oct. 3, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1625 Locust Street, Phila. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to psp.org. Arrangements by McIlvaine Funeral Home, 3711 Midvale Ave., Phila., PA 19129; (215) 844-0211
McIlvaine Funeral Home, East Falls 