Obituary of Pamela Joyce Welch

WELCH, Pamela Joyce (nee Boxall)                                                                                                                                      

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Pamela, a long-time resident of Markham, at Bay Ridges Long Term Care Home in Pickering on May 28, 2020.

Predeceased by her beloved husband H C (Roger) Welch (1991) brother Howard (2012) and sister Audrey (2012). Loving daughter of Doris and Arthur Boxall.

Beloved mother of Nicki (John Groenewegen) Kim (Jeff  Burton) and Michael Welch (Rhonda). Cherished and devoted grandmother of William, Alison (James), Kristina (Zach), Andrew (Jaclyn) Justin, Lisa, Brandon and Kelly. Proud great-grandmother of Madeleine, Grace and Lucy. Lovingly remembered by her Botten and Boxall nieces and nephews.

Born in Epsom, England to Arthur and Doris Boxall, she was an accomplished equestrian rider who competed in numerous riding events and trained horses at their family stable.

She met Roger, an army captain who served in India during the war, in Epsom after World War 2. They married in 1951 and emigrated to Toronto in 1953. Pamela continued to ride horses and teach her children to ride before moving to a country property in Markham with their horses, ponies, rescue donkey, a few chickens, beloved dog and cat.

They later moved to John Dexter Place in Markham before a company transfer to England, and a few years later returned to Wooten Way in Markham. 

Pamela moved to a condo in Hampton Green, Markham, after Roger died, and then Rouge Valley Retirement Home for six years before moving to Bay Ridges Long Term Care Home, Pickering in 2019.

Pamela continued athletic pursuits and was a dedicated volunteer driver for CHATS and a canvasser for the Cancer Society for many years.

She enjoyed cooking and along with Roger loved entertaining friends and family. She spent many years participating at Markham’s Seniors Activity Centre and enjoying Scarborough Center Sunday concerts.

Pamela was proud of her English roots and her family. She was immensely determined, loved to laugh, enjoyed listening to music, and was engaged in life until the end, even as her memory waned.

Our family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Bay Ridges Long Term Care Home for their care of our mother. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated for the Canadian Cancer Society or Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be a private family funeral service. Online condolences can be made at www.dixongarland.com