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Pam Washek Obituary

Pam (Manikas) Washek, 47, died peacefully and gracefully under the loving care of her family at her residence in Wayland on Sunday, December 2, 2012 following a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Canton, Ohio on August 11, 1965 the beloved daughter of Father Nicholas C. Manikas and Effie (Conides) Manikas both of Hyannis formerly of Wayland. She was the loving wife for 24 years of Kevin Washek of Wayland. Devoted and cherished mother of Ainsley E. Washek, Kathryn Mary Washek, Jessica L. Washek all of Wayland. Caring sister of Paul N. Manikas and his wife Becky of Cotuit, Joanna Manikas and her partner Elizabeth Cutler of Winchester and her twin sister Mary Leach of Northborough. She was the daughter-in-law of Catherine Regan of Hopkinton. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Pam has been a resident of Wayland for the past 37 years and formerly lived in Canton, Ohio. She was a graduate of Wayland High School with the Class of 1983 and received her A.S. in Legal Secretarial Studies from LaSalle College in Newton. In 2010, Pam graduated Magna Cum Laude from Northeastern University with a B.S. in Leadership and a graduate certificate in Non-Profit Management. In 2003 Pam and the late Jean Seiden were co-founders of Wayland Angels. In 2010, Wayland Angels became The Neighbor Brigade which assists family in their day to day needs in times of temporary crisis with over 30 chapters in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Pam was the founder and Executive Director from 2010 until her death. She was successful in fundraising efforts for the past three years in several events in the community. Pam was a caring, loving, kind and humble woman who dedicated her life to helping others. She always felt that it was a devotion and privilege to help other in their time of need. She had a strong spiritual faith that guided her throughout her life and allowed to remain positive and always with a smile on her face. In her short time, Pam touched many people with her warmth and love. She enjoyed biking and riding in the Pan Mass Challenge, walks with her friends and most importantly time spent with her husband, her three daughters and her entire family. Visitations will be held on Thursday, December 6, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Demetrious, 56 Brown Street, Weston. A Funeral Service is planned for Friday, December 7, 2012 at 10:00 AM at St. Demetrious Church. Interment will follow in the Washek family lot in Lakeview Cemetery, Wayland. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that memorial gifts in Pams memory be sent to the Neighbor Brigade, 18 Willard St, Wayland, MA 01778 or the St. Demetrios Church Building Fund and would be greatly appreciated. For on-line condolences and directions, please visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by MetroWest Daily News from Dec. 3 to Dec. 4, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Pam Washek

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the good ol' days..................

Barbara Bollas Kearney

November 2, 2013

To Kevin, Ainsley, Kathryn and Jessica: the family we could only hope to aspire to be. To Father and Pros. Manikas: our priest who taught me how to truly have faith and love Our Dear Lord, and Effy, who always welcomed me into her home, forever reinforcing the antique values from Greece, along with the modern ways of the world in America. To Paul, Joanna and my dear, dear Mary: what it is to be true brothers and sisters:

I just now received the news that will change my life forever, as it has yours. I live in Italy, in a country of mostly catholic faith. Today, the day I discovered the news of Pam, just happens to be their Feast of Holy Saints. Pammy. My oldest, dearest and most precious friend. For as many years as I have been away from the Boston area, I made sure Pam and I saw each other. It was like time never passed between us. Pam was always so positive, so up-lifting, so full of joy, so......grand! Why must the words of Billy Joel ring so true? What do I question my faith at moments like this? And I do. I question my faith! But then I know I must search into the depths of my heart and soul, and believe that my Greek Orthodox faith, with the guidance of Father Manikas, helps me to see that it must be all part of God's great plan for us. Our Great Lord above needs, truly needs the angels from earth to join Him, because they were just too great for this world, this simple life we mere mortals lead.
My heart is broken, so very heavy, as if my father Harry has passed all over again. That is how important this amazing, beautiful, loving, intelligent, caring, faithful, dedicated friend, daughter, mother and wife was to me. Now she is finally at peace with Dad, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Lou Stamoulis, with Jim Sparagis and many others. I can only hope you all have found peace, if only for a moment. Only a moment.
You will be in my heart forever, Pam. Riposa in pace amica mia. Ti voglio un mondo, un mare, una vita di bene..............

Barb Bollas Kearney
1 November 2013

Nikki Abel

December 23, 2012

I remember playing with Pam when we were very young at St. Haralambos. She has always been a shining light and may her memory be eternal.

Holly Howard Wheeler

December 10, 2012

Remember Pam from our time at St. Demetrios......Father Manikas and everyone, please know my prayers are with you at this time....received a notice Pam Washek has passed away from Wrentham's Angels (our chapter of Neighborhood Brigade which I joined last year....), but did not realize the connection until this weekend when I learned of Pam's maiden name through the obituary. Her Memory will truly be Eternal!

Annise Hoaglund

December 10, 2012

So many of us look up to Pam for her leadership, strength, selflessness and philanthropy.
We all have learned from her example on how to be a better person and better the world.
She started something that will carry her legacy for decades to come.
Se will be so missed.
We was an amazing woman and soooo loved!

Frank Murphy

December 9, 2012

To Kevin and family,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I ca't begin to imagine your sorrow. We can be sure that Pam is now in a much better place. But we also know that her presence here was very much appreciated. To see how many friends is a testimony to her impact on their lives. God bless you all.

Cathal Stumpy Nolan

December 7, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Paul Hatfield

December 7, 2012

So sorry to hear of Pam's passing. I only knew her casually from high school, but the thing I vividly remember is that she was always friendly and had a big smile on her face. From everything I have heard and read, Pam was truly an amazing, one of a kind person. The world needs more people like her. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families. May God bless you all.

December 6, 2012

My dearest sympathies to your families. I wish you comfort in the loving memories of Pam.

With love and care

Russ Doherty

Marie Mike & Family

December 6, 2012

Dear Father Nick and Presbytera Effie and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies and prayers for your family as this most difficult time.

DIANE Foradas

December 6, 2012

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

December 6, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jo-Ann Rosen

December 6, 2012

Dear Washek and Manikas Families,

My heart is so heavy with the loss of your beloved Pam ~ she was truly an angel on earth, always caring and doing for others. Her love, compassion, generosity, faith and courage was inspiring and uplifting to all who knew her. What a remarkable legacy and gift she has left behind!

I will be forever grateful for her inspiration, guidance and mentoring the last 2 years while launching my Neighbor Brigade chapter. It will be an honor to carry on in her memory.

We now have another heavenly angel to protect and guide us. No more pain, no more suffering ~ rest in peace, fly free and soar high dear ^^Pam^^

May her memory be eternal!

Deede Bergeron

December 6, 2012

Oh Kathryn and Jessica,

I am so sad to learn of your mom's passing. She was such a beautiful, caring, strong woman. She was a big support to me when my father had cancer. My family was far away in Arkansas, and I struggled with the demands of being teacher and my desire to be home. A group of moms, including yours, came to me and said "Go home- as often as you can. The kids will be fine. Being with your dad is what matters now." I took the advice and spent some wonderful long weekends with my dad during his last year. I will always be grateful. I know this is just one small way that your mom made a difference. I am sure there are many thousands of stories you will never even know, of people who were helped through your mother's determined, caring spirit and work. God bless you both, and your dad and Ainsley. You are all in my prayers.

December 5, 2012

Kevin and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Pam.Such a terrible loss.You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob,Michele,Emily,Melissa,and Julie Washek
Dover,Ma.

Joe Ricciardi

December 5, 2012

In Pam's modest, sensitive and unassuming way she accomplished something rare and remarkable, she changed the world! One conversation, one caring glance, one comforting touch at a time with virtually everyone she encountered, she changed the world. Her gestures of caring and kindness and subtle influence she conveyed will live on eternally. I'm grateful to have known her and will think of her often and smile. My condolences to the Washek and Manikas families, may your pain be brief and your memories infinite.

Jane Griffin

December 5, 2012

My condolences on Pam's passing. Pam was a hero and admired by many for her numerous selfless acts of kindness. She will forever be remembered.

December 5, 2012

My condolences on Pam's passing; Pam was admired as a true champion. Regardless of her own situation she always offered her hand to help others. Pam will live on in our hearts.

Suzanne LaPointe

December 5, 2012

Pam has touched so many of us with her love and compassion and the gift of unconditional love to others. My prayers are with her husband and children and her family as they give her over to the Lord and move from grief to joy through the many memories she has left to endure forever. She is now a guardian angel to us all.

December 5, 2012

Pam's memory will always remind us to pause , and do something kind for someone. Isn't this is what life is all about. Pam thank you. You will forever live on in all those you touched.

Nikki Stournaras

December 5, 2012

Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you who are deeply grieving the loss of a very special person. Pam leaves this world with marked footprints of love and care -she has enriched all of us by her life.
-Nikki Stournaras

December 4, 2012

To the entire Washek family,
please accept our deepest condolences on Pam's passing. Her smile, inclusiveness, and warmth will help keep her memory alive. WE are all a little better having known her.
Sincerely,
The lombardo family

Conrad Gees

December 4, 2012

Dear Jessica, Kevin, Ainsley and Kathryn,
I am truly saddened by this news. Pam's compassion for those in need and her drive to help was a gift to the community and an inspiration to all of us who knew her. My thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of sorrow.
Conrad Gees

Amy Travis

December 4, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I remember her first day at school in Wayland. She made going to school fun. Hearing all the stories from the "new Girls" in town, about where she came from in Ohio and her faith and her family. Such a special person....

Kristen Curran-Faller

December 4, 2012

I had the honor of working with Pam and the Neighbor Brigade. She was an amazing woman. I admired her strengthen and determination. Her family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.

Patricia McMullen

December 4, 2012

Dear Kevin and Family ,
We send comfort ,tears and strength.
Love
The McMullen Family

Tresann Avenia

December 4, 2012

I met Pam through Dana Farber when I was diagnosed with the same cancer. Her positive words and her fight to live has kept me motivated to live everyday the best I can. Her memory will forever be with me. My Thoughts and prayers go to the Washek and Manikas families....She was a very special person that will be missed by many.

John Kavaleski

December 4, 2012

Dear Kevin, Ainsley, Kathryn and Jessica,
As a student and a parent, Pam always had a smile and a kind word. She was a model for us all. She is in my thoughts and prayers.

Martha Zolides

December 4, 2012

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Washek and Manikas' families. I am so sorry for your loss. Pam fought a courageous battle and now she is at peace! May her memory be eternal!

December 4, 2012

To Father Nick, Presbytera Effie and family, our deepest sympathy for the loss of your beautiful Pamela. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God rest her soul and may her memory be eternal.

Love always,
Fr. Anargyros and Presbytera Christina Stavropoulos

Juliana Jarvis

December 4, 2012

Dear. Fr. Nick and Presbytera Effie,
Matt and I were very sad to learn of the death of your beloved daughter, Pam. She truly lived her faith and was an example of kindness to not only all who knew her personally but also those who read about the way she gave to her community. May she be in a place where there is no sorrow or sighing or suffering, and may God grant comfort to you and your family during this time.

December 3, 2012

So sorry for your loss. What Pam accomplished was remarkable and a gift to all. Condolences, the Cocco/Romania family

Olga Bregianos Kazis

December 3, 2012

My deepest sympathies to the Washek and Manikas Families. Pam will be greatly missed.

Anastasia & John McVey

December 3, 2012

Our prayers and thoughts are with the Washek and Manikas famillies. Pam touched so many lives and will be missed by many. May you be comforted in God's love and light and your joyful memories of Pam. May her loving memory be eternal. With Love from The McVeys

December 3, 2012

To the Manikas Washek Family,
Pam embodied all that was good and kind and caring. She made everyone want to be their "best" self and help her make the world a better place. Her vision and her legacy will live on in her beautiful daughters, her family and in the lives of all that she touched. Thank you for sharing her.

Patricia Berenson

December 3, 2012

Dear Kevin, Kathryn and Jessica,
Pam embodied all that was good about human nature. She showered everyone with love, compassion, and kindness. Her lasting legacy will live on in her beautiful daughters, her family, and the many lives she touched. She will be sorely missed.

Annette Maynard

December 3, 2012

So very sorry for your loss. Love and peace to her friends and family.

December 3, 2012

Dear Washek and Manikas Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have only known Pam for a short time when I became a leader in Ashland. She inspired me to start NB in my town and she has inspired me so much. I will be forever grateful to Pam for all that she has done to help me and as a result help many in my community. Rest in peace Pam. I won't let you down!
Suzanne Chlapowski

Ellen Caliendo

December 3, 2012

Kevin - my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Anything I can do please know I am a phone call away.

Jane and Mark Vanelli

December 3, 2012

Blessings to the Washek family- Pam was a true inspiration.

Jill Leathem Bishop

December 3, 2012

To the Washek and Manikas Families - My prayers and thoughts are with you! Pam was a remarkable woman who was an inspiration and wonderful role model. What a tremendous legacy she has left behind in her family and her work! The world is clearly a far better, more compassionate and caring place because she was in it!

December 3, 2012

Pam, in too short a time, made a difference in so many lives. I have wonderful memories of her as a parent in our school who always added to any conversation or event. My deepest sympathies, Richard Schaye

Stephanie McKown

December 3, 2012

My deepest condolences to the Manikas and Washek families. What a tragic loss of a wonderful woman. Please know that my heart is with you all.

December 3, 2012

A true angel has been sent to heaven. Her legacy will live on. God Bless You All,
Candy, Trevor and Amanda

December 3, 2012

To the Washek Family,
As you know, Pam was a wonderful gift to the world! Many have been touched by her generous spirit and her legacy will live on. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this time.
Love,
Liz, Jack, Joanna and Rebecca Reilly

Anne Nawawi

December 3, 2012

Dear Kevin,
We are so sorry to read of Pam's passing. What a terrific fight she put up.
What a difficult time for you and your family.
With deepest sympathy,
Anne and Ansori Nawawi

Allison Cohen

December 3, 2012

My thoughts are with you during this time. What a gift your mom was--for all of us.

December 3, 2012

George and I were deeply saddened to hear of Pam's passing. We extend our sincerest condolences to Pam and her family including her parents, Fr. Nick and POresbytera Manikis whom we know from St. Michael's in Cotuit, MA. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time. May Pam rest in Peace where this is no pain, sorrow or suffering.

Michael Brown

December 3, 2012

The news put me at a pause and gave time to to look back and remember Pam from school and I will miss her and may god bless her.

Liberty Pizza

December 3, 2012

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.

Mike & Kathy Giakoumakis

December 3, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Jean and Jigga Cardellicchio

December 3, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you all.

john burwick

December 3, 2012

ED,vey sorry to read of your loss.

Paul Paresky

December 3, 2012

We are so very sorry for the loss of Pam. Our Thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. She was a champion for all and will be sadly missed by all of us and the thousands she helped. Rest in Peace Pam - The Paresky Family

Elizabeth Price

December 3, 2012

What Pam has left behind is a gift beyond words: her family and her charitable work. These efforts will brighten the world more than we can imagine! Thank you Pam and I will try to do a little more with my life because of her. May the memorie of your mom and wife comfort you forever.

December 3, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this most difficult time.

Love,

Alice and Charlie Lymperes

December 3, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and your family during this difficult time. Pam was an amazing individual with such stregnth and courage.

With Love,

The Katsaros Family

December 3, 2012

To Kevin, Ainsley,Kathryn,and Jessica;
Thinking of you and praying for you at this difficult time.
Terry, Joseph, and Ryan Sullivan

Kim Reichelt

December 3, 2012

Pam will never, ever be forgotten. The good she did, the caring she showed others will live on. She has made the world better for her presence. Rest in peace.

Janet Wolbarst

December 2, 2012

Dear Washek Family,

I am sorry for your loss. Pam was a remarkable woman, wife and mom who I admired very much. Her leadership, compassion and strength will never be forgotten. My condolence to all who mourn her.
Rest in Peace, Pam.

December 2, 2012

We will continue praying for your family and thinking of you during this difficult time. Sincerely, The Abbott Family

Dennis Reilly

December 2, 2012

Pam was filled with strength, generosity and grace and we are fortunate to have our lives touched by her. We now have another angel looking out for us. Our community is proud of all you did for us, as I'm sure your family is. Rest in peace.

Grimanis family

December 2, 2012

Dear Kevin, Ainsley, Kathryn and Jessica and extended families/close friends,

We express our deepest sympathy to you
in the passing of Pam, an incredibly gentle, warm hearted, dedicated, thoughtful , kindhearted, and giving person who touched the lives of so many; she was an incredible wife, mom, daughter, sister, niece, cousin, friend, neighbor and colleague, etc. Pam had a special place in her heart for everyone. She returned her deep appreciation for the amazing care she received from others toward building an organization bringing dignity and hope to the lives of others facing difficult and often insurmountable challenges in life. We offer our heartfelt condolences at this time. We know that Pam will return as an angel, who will be by everyone's side to help them along through tough times but to also to show others how to celebrate the beauty of life.
Our family expresses our heartfelt love, care and prayers to all of you. We pray that the Lord will guide you, and support you in your grief and in your journey through this sorrowful time. May God's blessings bring you strength as you take whatever time you need to reflect upon the sadness and despair of Pam's loss, while also embracing Pam's gifts and messages of life and wisdom, she so compassionately left behind. She so clearly showed how everyone can make a difference by caring, sharing, offering friendship, love, compassion and deep respect for humanity.
Our thoughts, prayers and hugs are with you all.
Mary, Mike, Julia and Lauren

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