Pamela Jo Soares

Pamela "Pammy" Jo Soares, 51, of Stamford, CT died at Norwalk Hospital on Thursday, January 29, 2015, of a heart attack. She was born in Stamford, CT on July 8, 1963 to the late Margaret S. Soares and Paul P. Soares. Pamela is survived by her brother, Antone P. Soares; sister, Karla Soares Thomas; and her nephew, Grayson Soares Thomas, all of Norwalk, CT. She is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Pamela spent most of her life, all but 14 months, as the "middle child," sandwiched between her jock brother and egghead sister. "Are you Antone's sister?" was often the first question she heard from her teachers. Nevertheless, Pamela blazed her own trail through the Stamford public schools where she grew to love theatre, participating in many shows at Stamford High School, where she graduated in 1981. She received a Bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts from Syracuse University and spent many years afterward living in tiny studio apartments in NYC trying to make it to Broadway. Her continuing love for animals remained evident in her job at an animal hospital in the city, where she caught ringworm from an infected kitten that she just couldn't stop herself from cuddling. Pam was a cuddler of animals and babies; she loved them both. After moving back to Stamford Pamela worked in the insurance field and fed her passion through participation in many New Canaan Summer Theatre productions with a great cast of characters that she's remained friends with for more than 20 years.

Later, she earned a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Bridgeport in CT. Pamela taught at Davenport Ridge Elementary School, in Stamford, CT since her start in 1995 until the day of her death. Pam deftly taught math, science, social studies, and English, while juggling the childhood dramas and social concerns of her students. It was fascinating watching her run a classroom because it truly was like corralling cats, but she did it well.

Pamela invested her time and her money in her family and friends. She was loyal and steadfast and connected regularly through weekly dinners or brunches. Pamela scrapbooked photos of all those she loved, only one of her creative outlets. In the past she also sewed and quilted and was, most recently, trying her hand at knitting and crocheting. She was an avid online gamer, where she added many far-flung friends to her already long list. Pamela loved to cook and was the keeper of traditions after her parents died. She gathered family recipes and made sure holiday menus, decorations, and rituals continued.

A celebration of Pamela's life will be held at Gallagher's Funeral Home, 2900 Summer Street, Stamford, CT at 1:00pm on Saturday, February 7, 2015. Donations maybe made to the Lymphatic Education and Research Network or the American Heart Foundation.