Pamela (Pam) Emmie Gloria White, SP

May 10, 1931 - October 29, 2022

Obituary

PAMELA (PAM) EMMIE GLORIA WHITE, SP

(Sister Andrew) 

 

Sister Pam White (Sister Andrew), age 91, a Sister of Providence for 62 years, died October 29, 2022, at St. Joseph Residence, Seattle, Wash.  Funeral Mass: Saturday, November 12, 2022, at Mount St. Joseph Chapel, Spokane, Wash., at 11am.  Bonney Watson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  

Sister Pam White was born Pamela Emmie Gloria White on May 10, 1931, in London, England, to the family of Frederick Ernest and Margaret Daisy (Stratton). Her other siblings in the family were Derek (died at five years) and Patricia. She had a happy childhood until 1940 when the family was divided by World War II. Luckily, she was spared from the bombing in London, when she, her mother, and her sister Patricia immigrated to Canada, leaving her father in England. Sister Pam attended Loretto College School in Toronto, Ontario, and Loretto Academy, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

In January 1952, Sister Pam entered the St. Paul’s Hospital School of Nursing, Vancouver, BC, receiving a diploma in 1955. She then worked at several smaller Providence hospitals in northern Alberta and Manitoba, where she had the excellent opportunity to see the Sisters of Providence providing patient care in many situations and felt called to join the congregation. In 1960, Sister Pam entered the novitiate   receiving first vows in 1962 and final vows in 1967.

Other educational achievements included a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1964, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, and a Master of Education with a major in instructional education in 1978 from Eastern Washington University, Cheney, Wash.

Beginning in 1965, Sister Pam ministered as a nurse, Director of Patient Care, and ICU nurse at Providence hospitals in Canada. After relocating to Spokane, Wash. in 1972, she ministered at Sacred Heart Medical Center in the Department of Educational Services from the early 1970s to 2000 as the Media Coordinator. After her retirement in 2000, she was a volunteer archivist in the Public Relations Department at Sacred Heart Medical Center. This was a special assignment, as she set up a historical collection of photographs related to the history of Sacred Heart Medical Center and Sacred Heart School of Nursing, which included the history of the Sisters of Providence.

Sister Pam was also involved in the production of a program on the Providence community, “Providence Women on the Frontier.” The program was produced by KSPS-TV, Spokane’s local PBS station. The program was broadcast several times and was well received.

Sister Pam had a special fondness for the Providence Associates, a dedicated group of laywomen and men called to the charism and mission of the Sisters of Providence. Ministering with the Providence Associates was a major ministry in her life.

Sister Pam was grateful for her religious community, family, and many friends

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her brother and sister. She is survived by many nieces and nephews, and by the Sisters in her community. 

To view Sister Pam’s obituary and picture and to sign her memory book, please visit the website for Bonney-Watson Funeral Home at www.bonneywatson.com.  

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Patsy and Neal Lang
Patsy and Neal Lang
2 years ago

Love and miss you. We have wonderful memories of you and your quiet strength and quirky humor. Betty, Mom and Nannie are surrounding you with their love.
Patsy, Lindae, David, Barbara, Peter

PETER J KLEWENO
PETER J KLEWENO
2 years ago

My family and I will always remember you. You were part of a great team at SHMC with Betty and all. Am glad you are now home.

Maureen and Bob Goins
Maureen and Bob Goins
2 years ago

All those years spent creating wonderful memories at Pam/Betty’s home on the north side were the best, along with our road trips together. And working with Sister Pam at Sacred Heart Public Relations was a true gift for everyone involved. Blessings, dear one… you remain in our hearts and prayers.

Jennifer Roseman
Jennifer Roseman
2 years ago

It was always a joy to visit with you and to witness your joy in uncovering and sharing the works of the Sisters of Providence at Sacred Heart and beyond. Now is your time to rest in the arms of loved ones. God bless.

Elaine Couture
Elaine Couture
2 years ago

You will always remain in my heart! My life was blessed the moment I met you! I know you and Betty are catching up and continuing to watch over and pray for all of us. Rest In Peace!

Deborah Rose Cano
Deborah Rose Cano
2 years ago

I’m so grateful for the time we spent in Ed. Services, we were such a good crew with you and Betty. God’s blessings to you as you now soar with the eagles.

Patricia Ann Dwyer Wellman
Patricia Ann Dwyer Wellman
2 years ago

Pam have memories never to be forgotten of our time together at St Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver you were a guiding light for so many in our class Thankyou for taking the time to visit in Bellingham love you and miss you Pat class of January 1955

Joyce M. Cameron
Joyce M. Cameron
2 years ago

Sister Pam taught me so many things in her role as a board member for the Sacred Heart Foundation beginning in 2006. She was my dialogue partner for Mission Formation where she quietly led me through so many life changes. Thank you Sister Pam for being such a force in my personal and professional life. I’m so glad I got to visit with you, in person, for your last birthday. I miss you.

Yvette M Babb
Yvette M Babb
2 years ago

Sister Pam, you are thought of often and will be missed even more. I was very lucky to have crossed paths with you. Your smile, and laughter will always be in my heart.

Bob Lawrence
Bob Lawrence
2 years ago

Sister Pam and I worked on a TV documentary about how The Sisters of Providence founded Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, WA as well as many other institutions. She was so helpful and so much fun to work with. I treasure the times I’ve been able to spend with her.

Kate Vanskike
Kate Vanskike
2 years ago

Sister Pam was an incredible inspiration to me as we worked side-by-side in archiving the history of Sacred Heart Medical Center and Providence ministries in Spokane. She was the epitome of kindness and good intentions, and so supportive of staff. She was also a big reason why I named my daughter Emily after Emilie Gamelin, the foundress of the Sisters of Providence. Bless her!

Paul Torres
Paul Torres
2 years ago

Love and prayers to Pamela White family and friends also God bless you to Pamela White family and friends also I miss my friend Pamela White very much also I love my friend Pamela White very much also Rest in pease. Amen. Your friend Paul Torres

P. S. Paul love Pamela forever very much.

Paul Torres
Paul Torres
2 years ago

Love and prayers to Pamela White family and friends also God bless you to Pamela White family and friends also I miss my friend Pamela White very much also I love my friend Pamela White very much also Rest in pease. Amen. Your friend Paul Torres

P. S. Paul love Pamela forever very much