Pamela N. Langham

1929 - 2017

Pamela Nora Kennedy Langham, wife of Dr. Maurice Edward Langham, died September 16 of natural causes at Gilchrist Hospice Care in Baltimore County. She was surrounded by three daughters and seven grandchildren. Born in Sussex, England on January 25, 1929, Mrs. Langham's family moved to the small town of Harrow about ten miles from London where much of her adolescence was shaped by the Second World War. As a young woman, she worked as a secretary for Sir Stewart Duke-Elder, the Royal Ophthalmologist, who introduced her to Dr. Langham, who would in turn propose within the week. Mrs. Langham was fond of reminding her family that it was not her first proposal, but Dr. Langham was the love of her life and the two were married for sixty-three happy and exciting years. In 1959, the Langhams moved to the United States after Dr. Langham accepted the position of Director of Research at the Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute of The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Medical School. Mrs. Langham, a social person who cared deeply for her friends and family, would sometimes remark that the move was harder than surviving the Blitzkrieg. After all, during the war they "had to have stiff upper lips" and "were all in it together." However, Mrs. Langham would soon acclimate to life in the States, becoming an active member of the Daughters of the British Empire, serving as president of her chapter, an avid tennis player, a master of duplicate bridge, and a frequent host to visiting scientists, family, and friends. She loved travelling with her family and spending time with her grandchildren, often holding court with a cup of tea or a Whisky Mac. Mrs. Langham is survived by three daughters, Susan Parr of Irvine, CA, Christine Middleton of Bethany Beach, DE, and Fiona Langham of Phoenix, MD, in addition to seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She is proceeded by her husband and her daughter, Jennifer Langham Mackesey of Baltimore, MD. Services will be held at Broadmead Retirement Community on October 7, at 1 pm, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to Saint Stephen's Anglican Church, 11856 Mays Chapel Road, Timonium, MD 21093.