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Pamela Chaves

Image by Nick Andréka

PAMELA JOY CHAVES

March 12, 1965 – April 16, 2023

It is with broken hearts we announce the unexpected passing of Pamela Joy Chaves (nee Hayden), cherished Mother, Auntie, Niece, Cousin, and friend.

 

Pam is survived by her children, Joey and Jamie (Mike), her nieces Dinine and Dana, and her beloved fur baby Kash. Pam is also survived by an Uncle, an Auntie, as well as many cousins and their families, all of whom she loved dearly. We are comforted in knowing that she is now reunited with her Mom and Dad, Jack and Kay Hayden and her sister Gail Denesiuk, who she lovingly referred to as Geegee from the time she was a little girl.

 

All who knew Pam would agree that she was one of the most caring and selfless people they have ever met. Whether it was taking people in, feeding them, being available to talk for hours on end, or simply being there to comfort, her very essence was that of love and joy. Family and friends were of the upmost importance to Pam. A close second was her work as a proud City of Winnipeg employee for nearly 30 years, taking pride in her job, while fostering many lasting relationships with coworkers over the years. Anyone who knew her could attest that she always had a story, advice and a listening ear and could talk anyone through anything. She was a pillar and a calming force right up to the end. It is these memories and teachings that will allow Pam’s spirit to continue in everyone who was close to her.

 

Even though Pam is no longer with us in the physical sense, she will forever be in our hearts and in everything we do. She will continue to guide us as she always has, and we will continue to feel her warm, loving embrace.

 

In keeping with Pam’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private celebration of life will be held in her honour. In the meantime, Pam’s family kindly requests that all her friends and relatives consider sharing memories and stories about Pam using the comment section on this page.

 

 In lieu of flowers, we ask you kindly consider making a donation in Pam’s memory to a Women’s shelter of your choice.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Lea-Ann Miller

May 3, 2023 at 11:57 AM

What a lovely picture of Pam you've shared.  It captures her essence beautifully.  Pamela always had a smile and a kind word to everyone she came in contact with.  This loss is and will continue to be profound for all those she called her family, including those of us at the office.  I had the pleasure of being "drawn" by her at many of our secret Santa games, and therefore have gifts that I will continue to treasure in her memory.  My sincere condolences on your immeasurable loss. ❤ Lea-Ann Miller

Anna Manicotto

May 3, 2023 at 8:42 AM

To Joey, Jamie & family, I was so heartbroken to hear about your mother Pam.  I worked with your mother during my days with the City and had wonderful memories that I will cherish. Our sincere condolences are with you and your family during this difficult time.  Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember Pamela who was so close to you.

Kathleen W.

April 29, 2023 at 10:31 PM

I had the joy of working with Pam for many years with the City. Pam was not only exceptionally informed and astute in her guidance, she was a wonderful human who I learned from. Even in the most challenging of situations she was kind and astute. I will very much miss her along with many others who appreciated her spirit.

LA

April 28, 2023 at 12:47 PM

I will always think of you Pammy, when I hear this song now.  My sympathies to Joey, Jamie, Mike, and Kash. 

Carol Blahey

April 27, 2023 at 8:06 PM

Dear Joey, Jamie, and Mike My heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers are with all of you on the loss of your mom, mother-in-law.  May cherished bring you moments of comfort and peace. ❤

The staff and members of the Winnipeg Association of Public Service Officers Local 162

April 27, 2023 at 3:05 PM

Our sincerest condolences to all of Pam's family, friends and colleagues. 

Fernando Requeima

April 26, 2023 at 4:25 PM

So sadden and shocked by news of Pam's passing. Had so many heart felt conversations about the Azores Island and her amazing stories. My deepest condolence to the family.

Lidan Xie

April 26, 2023 at 8:25 AM

So sadden by the news!  Pam was such warm and caring person that I have the honour to work with.  My deepest condolences to the family.

Kelly Goldstrand

April 24, 2023 at 6:03 PM

Joey, Jamie and Mike - We share your heartbreak. I remember the day that Pam was hired at Community Services. Little did we know that it was the day we gained an amazing colleague but best of all a special and treasured friend. We have lost a one in a million woman in our lives that we shared happy and sad times with, whose wisdom and understanding we so valued, and the enjoyment of hearing all the love and pride filled stories about you as you grew up into great adults but were always her kids. There are no words to describe how much we will miss Pam. Our regular breakfast tour of Winnipeg’s diners where we spent hours sharing stories are going to be terribly missed. She will live on in our hearts forever. I know you have many wonderful memories of the intimate family relationship you had with your Mom. I hope over time that will bring you peace. With love Kelly and Brian. 

Deborah Bowers

April 24, 2023 at 5:15 PM

I had the honour of working with Pam on several projects in recent years. She was always so helpful, positive, knowledgeable, and most of all...kind. (It just seems fitting to learn that her middle name was Joy). I am so incredibly sorry for Pam's nearest and dearest on this profound loss. She will be missed by all who knew her and Pam's light will shine on indefinitely.

Greg Marsh

April 24, 2023 at 9:03 AM

My sincere condolences go out to Pam's family.  I remember Pam as one of the most caring, up-beat and personable people I ever had the privilege to work with.  I'll always remember her big smile and how she always brightened up the day in the office. Greg Marsh

Corie Seburn

April 23, 2023 at 8:22 PM

Dear Family I am shocked and saddened by this news.  I, too knew Pam as we both worked for the same department.  Whenever we had the chance we spent time chatting about our jobs, kids and the struggles of being a working Mom.  My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time! ❤

Lori Farina and family

April 23, 2023 at 2:20 PM

Very saddened to hear this news My heartfelt condolences to the family 🩷

Ursula Stelman

April 23, 2023 at 9:21 AM

Dear Joey & Jamie It is with great sadness that I take in the news about your moms passing. Pam has been a very special person in my life since she started working with me at the City of Winnipeg over 25 years ago.  Pam was not only the best executive assistant one could have, she was a force of nature - passionate and commited to what the team was trying to achieve.  She cared deeply about people and the community. Pam was thoughtful, someone who could be trusted for sage advice, a rock, a cheerleader, an amazing support to all, a true confidante, but most importantly she was my friend.  Beyond the exhausting hours working together dealing with the challenges of restructuring and then leading a new department, we found time to talk about our families, our pains and our joys. We bonded immediately around our roots in the North End and St John's High School. She talked with great pride about you both and about her entire family.  When my sister passed away recently Pam was there to offer support and comfort. We made plans to see each other soon, which sadly was not to be.  Of all the things that Pam cared deeply about you two  were her greatest joy!  I am so very sorry for your loss. With love, Ursula Stelman & Family 

Karen mitchell

April 22, 2023 at 11:40 PM

Pam brought “joy”  to the workplace  & to those lives she touched & that is a gift .  She was helpful, professional, and always went the extra mile . The workplace & the world was a better place because of her . My heartfelt sympathy goes out to her family .  ❤

Shirley Teranishi

April 22, 2023 at 11:05 PM

My heartfelt sympathy to Pam’s family!  I was both shocked and devastated to learn of her passing. I had the privilege of becoming her friend while working at the City.   I have always admired her professionalism, intelligence, thoughtfulness and kindness.  The world has lost an incredible person and she will always hold a very special place in my heart!  

Kathy Knudsen

April 22, 2023 at 5:09 PM

Dear Joey, Jamie and Mike, I was shocked and beyond saddened to hear this tragic news.   My heart is aching for you with this profound loss of your much beloved mom.  You were the absolute centre of your mom’s universe and I know how proud she was to be your mom.     I had the absolute pleasure of working side-by-side with Pamela for 25+ years at the City of Winnipeg, and I was also blessed to call her my friend.   Pamela was someone who was fiercely loyal and committed to the people she cared about and would give her ‘absolute all’ to help and support you whenever needed. She was both smart – and wise, with much sage advice and guidance provided to many along the way. This was true in friendship and evident throughout her career, qualities so appreciated by those who worked closely with her.  Your mom will be truly missed by the many lives she touched. I will remember Pam with love always.  Wishing you much strength in this difficult and sorrowful time.   My deepest sympathies.  ❤

MaryAnn Fraser

April 22, 2023 at 3:46 PM

Dear Joey, Jamie and Mike, Please accept my sincere sympathy on the passing of your dear mom and mother-in-law Pam. I lived next door to her on Manitoba Ave for many years and she was my first best friend. We spent lots of time hanging out together and I only remember her as being a kind, gentle and caring friend, who loved her family. I remember Jack and Kaye would rent a cabin at Winnipeg Beach and it was on the same street as our cabin, so we would visit there too. I will always hold a special place in my heart for your mom. She was a lovely lady. God bless. ❤ Mary-Ann Fraser (nee Humniski) Canberra, ACT, Australia

Janina Barrett

April 22, 2023 at 3:29 PM

My sincere condolences to the family for such an unexpected loss.  Your mom was an amazing person.  She was always so patient and caring.  She would always stop whatever she was doing in order to answer some silly question or direct me in the right direction. She loved her job and the people she worked with.  Rest in Peace dear Pam.❤

Stacey Stepnuk

April 22, 2023 at 12:32 PM

Pam was our work mom. She was good at her job and I learned and still had lots to learn from her. She was a great writer and I would tell her often, how I admired the way she wrote. She was kind, compassionate and a joy to be around. When my dad passed away, Pam scooped me under her wings and offered so many words of encouragement and wisdom that I will never forget.  I will miss her dearly and the sound of her giggle.   My deepest condolences.  ❤Stacey 

Cindy Fernandes

April 22, 2023 at 12:02 PM

Joey, Jamie, and Mike - My sincere condolences.  I did not know Pamela’s middle name was Joy, but ‘joy’ is how I will remember my 22 years of working with Pam in Community Services because this is what she brought to the office every day.  I will miss her advice, guidance, patience, and her overall protective nature.  She loved her work family and she was loved in return.  God bless you Pamela. ❤

Clive Wightman

April 22, 2023 at 9:10 AM

I had the pleasure of working with Pam for most of my career with the City of Winnipeg. she was kind, carin g, compassionate and loved her career. We shared a lot of with each other and I will miss her greatly…Pamalambam….love you! ❤ Clive

Joe Silva

April 22, 2023 at 8:58 AM

Dear Joey, Jamie, Mike, I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of your mother’s passing. I feel privileged to have gotten to know Pam. I could always expect a kind word and a ready smile from her whenever we met. She will live on in our happy memories of her.  My deepest condolences. 

Harold Dick

April 22, 2023 at 8:51 AM

My deepest condolences to you on your shocking and profound loss!  I knew Pam as a work colleague and she was truly a lovely person. The world is a lesser place without her in it!  May your memories of her give you comfort. 

Josie Marques

April 22, 2023 at 6:16 AM

My deepest sympathy.  Pam and I became friends while working at  the City.  You couldn’t just be a colleague with her. Being from Portugal, we shared many stories of culture, customs and food. 

Lindsay and Peter Hawryliuk and Family

April 21, 2023 at 10:33 PM

Dear Joe, Jamie and Mike, I danced at your Grandparents’ wedding, I remember your Mom as a baby, a young girl, a teenager, a woman.  Your Mom was so very loving, kind and loving, someone I could talk to, reminiscing about past adventures, telling each other about our children, thinking about a future reunion.  We are beyond saddened to hear of her passing, and will continue to keep her alive in our hearts and thoughts.  Love and hugs.

Bryan Amadore

April 21, 2023 at 9:44 PM

Dear Joey, Jaimie & Mike, We are truly shocked and saddened to hear about your mom’s sudden passing. She was a truly warm, caring and loving person where family and friends meant everything to her. I fondly remember the summers she would visit Calgary with her mom, dad and sister. Please know that in our hearts, your mother had and will always continue to hold a very special, loving remembrance.  Love Bryan, Bev Amadore and family

Ken and Colleen Levenec and Family

April 21, 2023 at 8:44 PM

Dear Joey, Jamie (Mike). It was a shock to hear the passing of your Mom, my cousin.  She will always be remembered for her smile, wisdom and kind soul.  You are all in our thoughts.  ❤️ 
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