Pamela Jean Saphara age 71, passed away peacefully with her loving husband by her side on Saturday, October 7, 2023, in Wilmington, NC.

Pamela was born on October 20, 1951, in Auburn, New York and was the daughter of the late, Robert and Jean Nolan. Pamela was preceded in death by her stepson, Jeffrey Saphara, and her brother, Andrew (Binner) Nolan.

Left to cherish the memory of Pamela is her loving husband of 43 years, Larry Saphara; stepdaughter, Kimberly Saphara-Peck; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Saphara; four grandchildren, Zachary Decker, Jacob and Nathan Peck, and Emma Saphara; three sisters, Teresa Personius, Peggy Nolan, and Elizabeth Burgos, and husband Tony; three brothers, Timothy, Patrick, and Christopher Nolan, many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins as  well as the many lives she has touched and impacted along her journey.

Pam was a proud graduate of Mount Carmel class of 69', ACC Community College and Brockport State. After schooling, Pam returned to return to work with her father at their family sporting good store in Auburn, NY. She then joined AT&T and worked with them for several years before finding her passion in working with the students and staff at Port Byron Elementary School. In 2009, Larry and Pam moved to North Carolina where Pam immediately became involved in the Pender County Community through her volunteer work with Pender Adult Services and Rocky Point Elementary School, where she was fondly known as GramPam to the students and staff. Pam was recently awarded the 2022 Burgaw Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year recognizing her commitment to serving the Burgaw community.

Pam was a devout Catholic and was active with St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Castle Hayne, as well as St. Joseph The Worker in Burgaw.

Pam's dedication to serving others and her community was truly remarkable. She had a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of those around her. Whether it was volunteering at local charities, or simply lending a helping hand to her neighbors, Pam's selflessness shone brightly.

However, her commitment to her role as a grandmother was equally exceptional. Pam poured her heart and soul into being a loving and devoted grandmother. She brought boundless joy and love into the lives of her grandchildren, creating cherished memories that would last a lifetime. Pam's nurturing and caring nature extended not only to her community but also to her family, where she played an invaluable role as a grandmother, leaving and indelible mark on the hearts of her loved ones.

A Funeral Mass to celebrate the devout life of Pamela will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023, at 11:00 AM in St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, with Fr. Roger Malonda Nyimi officiating. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to service at the parish. Inurnment will follow immediately in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for consideration of donation to St. Stanislaus Church of Castle Hayne, NC; to Marians Fathers in Stockbridge ,MA, or to a charity of your choice.

Her involvement with St. Stanislaus Church and St. Joseph's in Burgaw also reflects her strong faith and dedication to her religious community.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.quinnmcgowen.com

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Burgaw.