Pamela Marie “Pam” Gardephe (nee Datsko) passed away peacefully on May 15, 2024, in Fairport, NY, at the age of 64. Pam was born on June 20, 1959, in Rochester, NY, to the late George and Mary Datsko.
Pam was a faithful and independent woman who loved to connect with people. She will be dearly missed by her loving husband, Bruce Gardephe Jr.; children, Sara Gardephe and Alex (Sydney Carpenter) Gardephe; sisters, Donna (Mike) Tremiti and Georganne (David) Boyer; as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Pam found joy in being creative throughout her life – she learned to sew at an early age and was proud to have made many of her own clothes throughout high school. A lifelong learner, she picked up embroidery, quilting, knitting and crochet at different times. She often put these talents to work making gifts for family and friends: quilts for her children, Halloween costumes, special event dresses, embroidered table runners and sampler art, and many other items. She also utilized her creativity in the kitchen: she loved to cook and try new recipes. She would often improvise and make new “mystery meals” to use up what was on hand, the only downside was she often couldn’t recreate a meal that turned out great!
Family was always first for Pam, she treasured quality time spent together doing even simple things. She did love family trips to the Outer Banks – the beach was her happy place where she could marvel in the beauty and wonder of this world, spend a slow week with family, work through her ever-growing stack of books to be read and take long meditative walks down the beach. We will remember her whenever we visit the ocean.
Pam had a varied career united by a desire to connect with and help people. With an entrepreneurial spirit, she excelled in direct sales and enjoyed developing teams and helping her colleagues succeed. She later worked as a business and health coach, dedicating herself to helping others grow. Pam’s warm and kind personality made her a beloved figure in her professional endeavors.
A celebration of life mass will be held at 10am on Saturday, May 25, at St. John of Rochester church in Fairport followed by a private interment. Friends and family are welcome to join Pam’s family for a reception at 12pm at Flaherty’s in Macedon.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Pam’s memory to:
- St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital,
- Leader Dogs for the Blind, or
- Lollypop Farm
Pam’s legacy of kindness and generosity will live on through these charitable donations.
Comments
33 responses to “Gardephe, Pamela M.”
My condolences to the Garderobe family. Pam was my mentor when I was involved with Tastefully Simple. I learned a lot from her. May God grant her peace.
My deepest condolences to the Gardephe family for this sad passing.
So sorry about your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dan and Diane Shapiro
Bruce and family. I was saddened to hear about Pam. I enjoyed talking to her at Christmas parties. May God continue to heal your hearts from the inside out.
My condolences to the whole family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bruce and Family–I am very sorry to hear about Pam. I wish peace to your family. Regards, Ted Rivera
Pam was a valued friend and one of the most positive, insightful, and intelligent people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Alex and Sarah are branches of her incredible energy. Bruce and Pam were a rare team. Love you guys.
I am so sorry that I am unable to attend Pam’s Celebration of Life as I will be on vacation. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Pam and I were best friends when we were children and my mom and her mom were best friends too. We spent so much time together as children sewing, crafting, writing, creating the “dog” club and playing barbies for hours. She was the sweetest friend anyone could ask for. I moved away to California at 21 so we lost touch but so happy to reconnect with her here on Facebook over the last decade or so sharing our lives. I’m so sad to hear this news today and sending my prayers to her family as this is such a deep loss for them and all of us. I wish I could be there in Rochester for her service but if I cannot be there I will be there in spending time in quiet at the beach in her honor. I loved her with all my heart and her memory will live on in my mind and heart.
I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Pam. My thoughts and prayers are with the Gardephe family.
Our thoughts are with Pam’s family and friends at this sad time.
So sad! Pam and I were friends beginning in junior high. Sleep overs, ball games, etc were sure to be more fun if Pam was there. I always thought I would be able to come back to Rochester and have a night out with the girls. I waited too long…. Thank you Pam for all the smiles. Praying for your family.
I’m so sorry to hear of Pam’s passing. I had fallen out of touch with her over the past few years but remember her being a lovely, positive, inspiring person and I am glad I got to know her, even for a little while.
Pam will be greatly missed by me. She always offered a warm smile each time I’d see her. Such a lovely neighbor! My sincere thoughts go out to the family during this time of grief.
I’m so sorry for your family loss.Kim Smith shared what a special Woman she was
I was saddened to hear of Pam’s passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family.
Bruce, I am very sorry for your loss. You and your family have my sincere condolences.
Bruce, so,sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
Bruce, Condolences and prayers for you and your family.
So young, so special, so very sad. My prayers are for you and your family, Bruce.
We knew Pam through her parents, our dear friends George and Mary Datsko. Pam was a dedicated daughter – a thoughtful, caring person with a kind and gentle soul. Our thoughts and prayers and deepest condolences go out to the entire Datsko Family. May she rest in peace.
So sorry to hear of the loss of Pam. May you all find peace during this time.
Bruce – My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Bruce and your family. We will miss Pam’s beautiful smile and wave on her walks around the neighborhood with Sam. Our deepest condolences.
Pam and I met through Tastefully Simple and when my daughter went to college in Rochester she helped me navigate some of local things to do. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. She was a genuine person. Not many left. Condolences to her family.
Bruce ,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May all your loving memories be forever with you all. I am sorry for your loss.
Dear Gardephe Family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I knew Pam through Tastefully Simple. She was kind, level headed, patient, and dedicated. My prayers are with you all as you navigate the grief of losing such a beloved and bright light of this world.
Bruce and family,
Saddened to hear about Pam. May joyful memories fill your hearts.
Dear Bruce and family,
Just heard of your loss. Pam was a wonderful woman.
Just heard of your loss! Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bruce and family! Deepest sympathy
Bruce and Alex.
Our deepest sympathy for your loss.
A beacon of light always guiding us to Jesus.💕
Bruce, Sara and Alex,
I’m still reflecting on how many ways Pam had an influence on areas of my life. There were so many. She touched me, as I know there were many more who also learned and were inspired by her. She was a dear friend!! I’ll miss her deeply. One thing she will always be remembered for was her infectious smile. She would always light up the room. Prayers for peace and comfort for all of you!