Pamela Angell Milburn

Pamela Angell Milburn passed away peacefully in her 97th year at Saanich Peninsula Extended Care on the morning of December 9, 2025. Born to Eric and Lillian Wood (nee Sharps) at Clevedon, Somerset England and emigrating to Canada with her parents at the age of one year to resettle in Victoria. Her sister, Wendy, was born soon thereafter. Pam grew up amongst her mother’s kennel of Cairn terriers and her father’s steam engine hobby making.

Pam married Bruce Milburn in August 1954 and became a mother to young stepsons Rick and Don. The family moved to Oak Bay nearby to Willows school for the boys to attend and close to Bruce’s business, Estevan Meats, which they operated through the 1960’s. A son, Kim, was born in 1957 to complete their blended family.

Mom was devoted to helping Bruce with his business while raising her family, participating in the parent advisory at school, shepherding the boys to cubs, scouts or school band. She provided for her family as an ardent cook, baking bread, making jam and home preserves. The teapot and cookies were always close at hand if someone dropped by.

Mom was an avid gardener, walker and reader. Later, after the boys grew up, she cared for aging parents, an aunt and housekeeping for elderly neighbours. Since she also had more time, her sewing skills allowed her to turn out many sharp outfits.

Bruce passed away in 1983 at Victoria Hospice, which was a great loss since they were looking forward to retirement and spending time with grandchildren. Mom became a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, where she participated in community outreach as well as quilting at Grace Lutheran Church. Pam completed more than 200 quilts through her volunteering efforts. She also helped out at the Ukrainian Church, preparing perogies and holopchi each month. If Mom could help out a community cause, she was most willing! Pam also joined the Newcombe Singers choir.

Pam was a long-time friend of Shirley Cannon, meeting first as young women and reconnecting as widows in their neighbourhood. They joined a walking group and the Wisemanettes. They regularly walked throughout Oak Bay, visited over tea and did short trips visiting family and friends. In her later years she travelled extensively with tours to Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Turkey, Egypt and East Africa. In 2018, Pam moved to Shannon Oaks Retirement Village where she enjoyed the social community over meals, morning coffee and many activities.

Mom was devoted to her family, friends, home, neighbours and community. Her church and spirituality was a steadfast support through some more difficult periods, especially when her grandson, Kevin (2010) eldest son, Rick (2022) and his wife, Sharon (2023) passed away. She grieved that a mother should not outlive her children or grandchildren.

Mom’s bright smile, love of music and dedication to community causes will be fondly remembered by her sister, Wendy Darlington; sons, Kim (Sue); Don (Sharon); grandchildren, Rob (Cristal), Kyle and Ashley (Jeff); and seven great-grandchildren, as well as the Darlington nephews, niece and their extended families.

Pam would have wished to thank Pastor Gary, Dr. Rosenberg and Carer Eleanor for their support, care, and attention while she lived at Shannon Oaks to extend her quality of life there. The family thanks the expert and compassionate care of Saanich Peninsula ECU2 staff during her residence and especially in her final days of palliative care. No service by request, but if friends so desire, Pam may be remembered through donations to the Victoria Hospice Society, Emmanuel Baptist Church of Victoria or the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation.