Following is the obituary for PAMELA VUILLEMENOT WAESCHE, submitted by her family.
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Pamela Vuillemenot Waesche, a Westport resident for nearly 40 years, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Dec. 1, 2023. Obituaries generally provide a timeline of the individual’s life and accomplishments, but Pam’s emotional contributions of love and kindness are much more indicative of the life she led.
Pam and her husband of 53 years, John, shared a love that transcended all life’s struggles and hardships.
She was smart, loving, empathetic, and together, she and John raised three daughters they could not be prouder of. Her children and their families are the legacy she leaves behind.
Pam was born Sept. 30, 1947, the daughter of Robert and Leontine Vuillemenot. She attended Oradell public schools in New Jersey where she met John at a sixth-grade square dance and is where he first fell in love with her. She graduated from Skidmore College in 1969 with a BA in American studies.
Pam held professional positions at the Guggenheim Museum, Time Life and the Library of Congress, but her greatest achievement and focus was always on the care and support of her family and others.
In Westport, where she and John raised their family, she worked with Au Pair in America and the Westport Housing Authority helping those in need find a home, spent her summer mornings tending and harvesting vegetables for local soup kitchens as a member of the Greens Farms Garden Club, and cared for any animal in distress.
She is survived by her husband, John Waesche, of Westport; her daughters, sons-in-laws and nine beloved grandchildren, Wendy, David, Kate, Lucy and Matthew Lavallee of Southport; Dana, Jamey, Jackson, Toby and Kiley Gifford of Hillsborough, Calif., and Erin, George, John, Charlie and Lily DiGuido of Fairfield. And, a multitude of cherished friends who all provided constant camaraderie, love and support. They will all miss her presence, laughter and guidance in their lives.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation to a charity of your choice be made in her name.
Dear John and family. I am so sorry to hear about your wonderful spouse, mom, mother in law and grandma. She was such a joy to see and talk to on the block. Pam always brightened my day when we ran into one another. Please take solace in knowing that she brought a lot of joy to a lot of people. The Miller Family.
Dear John and Family. I was so sorry to hear about Pam’s passing. I remember her so fondly from elementary school through high school. We last saw you both at the 5oth River Dell Class of 1965 high school reunion in 2015. I feel badly that I missed our ladies’ reunion this past year, as I would have had the opportunity to see Pam then. She was such a large part of my high school memories when we shared Enriched classes. She was smart and vivacious and full of life.
I know she will be missed by everyone she came in contact with. I will keep all of the family in my prayers. Sincerely, Jean Lombardo Olszak and Dan Olszak.