Dona Pamela Manel Wijetunge popularly and affectionately known as Pam or Pamela was born on July 19, 1923 and died on February 7, this year. Her parents were Dr. Don Edmund Wijewardene and Corrine Jennings who was British. She had one elder brother, Ray Wijewardene, who died a few months after her.
Pamela was educated at CMS Ladies’ College, Colombo, her contemporaries being Anoja Amerasinghe Fernando, Dr. Sera Pestonjee Samaraweera, Renee Caldera Perera and Seela Navaratnam Molligoda. In school she was involved in many activities. She then went over to Britain to train in nursing -Midwifery which was at that time a prestigious profession for girls from upper class families. On her return to Ceylon she didn't have many opportunities to clinically practise her skills but conducted lectures in the nursing school here.
In 1947, fairly soon after her return from Britain she married Vernon Wijetunga, a successful lawyer who became a Queens Counsel. They were able to celebrate their 50th anniversary and more years together. They had four children, three boys and a girl, Varuna, Susil, Ramya and Sathis and nine grandchildren. Pam, very much a family person, ran a beautiful home and was always there for her busy professional husband and four children and grandchildren.
Elegant works of art were a part of her home- valuable inherited prints adorned the walls, porcelain and furniture were always set off with her beautiful flower arrangements. Gardening and flowers were very much a part of Pam who went on to teach the art of flower arranging, conducting private classes and classes at the Department of Vocational Studies at Ladies’ College. She also did arrangements for the church and occasions of friends with great skill and love.
A good Christian in the true sense of the word, Pam gave a lot of time to the church and its activities. She was a founder member of the "Young at Heart" association at St. Paul’s Milagiriya.
This was an association for the senior citizens to meet and enjoy themselves, for which there was a great need.
Pam always had time for those who needed her attention to comfort and help them in their difficulties.
Pam was a good cook, taking after her mother who is said to have been involved in the production of the famous Daily News Cookery Book in the 1920's with Mrs. Marcus Rockwood (Winnie)'.
She was able to use her nursing knowledge in later years when she took her children to school at Abington School in Oxford, UK (from 1972-1977), where she was employed as the matron of the hostel.
In her early years Pam was involved in Kandyan dancing, drumming and of course along with her husband was a couple much admired for their prowess on the ballroom dance floors. She was also involved in prison reforms for women.
Pam who was always tastefully dressed and groomed, was a personality on the scene.
We shall miss you-May your Soul Rest in Peace.
"A Faithful Friend is the Medicine of Life"
J. Gabriel |
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