Pamela Margaret (Wakeling) McPhail slipped peacefully into the arms of our Heavenly Father on Wednesday, September 26, 2018. She shared 76 years of love and faith with her family and friends. Pamela will be lovingly remembered by her beloved family, including her husband of 57 years, Lawrence D. McPhail, her son Lawrence E. (Michelle), her daughter Dr. Natalie M. (Louis) Takacs, and her grandchildren Alexandra L., Bayleigh I., and L. Hunter Takacs, IV, and bonus (step) grandchildren, Tyler and Max Mueller, her sister Virginia A. (R. Bruce) Morris, her sister-in-law Mary Lee (William) Tennant, six nieces and nephews, Michael Morris, Melanie Morris, Leeanne (Alfonso) Alonso, Tyler (Jill) Tennant, Sean (Gabrielle), and Warren (Deanne) Tennant, and five great nieces and nephews, Spencer Tennant, Antonio and Miguel Alonso, Riley Tennant, Lindsay Tennant, and Payton Morris, and her beloved little poodle, Beau. She was predeceased by her parents Edward Huntington and Virginia (Cadue) Wakeling, and many additional dear relatives. And her beloved unborn child
Pamela was born in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, and as the daughter of an artist and an art critic, Pamela developed many talents and shared them with her loved ones. Pamela attended Queens University in Kingston, and became smitten by a handsome young man in the uniform of the Royal Military College. After a year of teaching in Jamaica, West Indies, Pamela married LD and moved across Canada with her Air Force husband. After the births of their two children, Lawrence and Natalie, they moved to Sparta, NJ. when LD was based in New York for American Airlines.
Pamela was very active in the community, serving as President of the Byram Township PTA, Cub Scout leader, LVR Play costume designer, and many other clubs and volunteer service groups. Pamela was a past President of Sparta Woman’s Club, as well as being active in their literature club, the talent auction, and the Mah Jongg club. Pamela was an devoted member of Redeemer Lutheran Church for over 52 years and actively involved Women of Redeemer, a Pioneer Girl leader, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher. Well known as an accomplished baker and cake decorator, she created many masterpieces, including multi-tiered wedding cakes for special friends and family members. Pamela enjoyed traveling the world, especially with her grandchildren. Pamela was secure in her faith in God and exemplified true Christian love in every aspect of her daily life.
A Celebration of Life Service will be celebrated on Monday, October 1, 2018 at 6 o’clock in the evening at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Newton, NJ. Visiting hours will be held on October 1, 2018 prior to the service from 4-6 pm at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Donations in her memory may be made to the good work of the Karen A. Quinlan Hospice which helped to care for her with kindness and compassion allowing her to live her last weeks in peace and with dignity on her terms.
