Pamela Jean "Carpenter" Cushing

Pamela Jean Cushing (Carpenter), 75, of Colchester, Vermont, passed away on September 6, 2025, with her two daughters by her side at the McClure Miller Respite House. She battled the devastating disease dementia for ten long years, showing her strength and resilience right to the end.

Pamela was born on August 1, 1950, in Colchester, to Neal and Glenna Carpenter (Cleveland). She graduated from Essex High School and went to Champlain College. On July 26, 1969, she married Craig Cushing, the love of her life, whom she met the night of high school graduation, and they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage, raising two daughters, Lisa and Susan.

Pamela dedicated 28 years of her career to the Burnham Memorial Library as a cataloguer, where her love of books and quiet diligence left a lasting impression. Outside of work, Pamela enjoyed many activities - showing her miniature horse, Iroc, taking long walks, reading, crafting, sewing, and solving word puzzles.

She especially valued spending time with her family. She actively cared for her grandchildren during their early years, creating precious memories they still cherish today. One of Pamela's greatest joys was the family's yearly vacations to the beach in Wells, Maine, where she loved walking along the shore, strolling on the Marginal Way, and enjoying ice cream at the Scoop Deck.

Pamela survived by her daughters, Lisa Bortz and her husband Seth, and Susan Cushing; her sister, Linda Norton and her husband Harry; grandchildren Tyler Bortz and partner Olivia Leo, Jessica Bortz and fiancé Austin Combs, Ashley Fay and her husband Tim, and Haley Ingham and fiancé Fletcher Sordiff; and great-granddaughter Saige Combs. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Sheltra and Rae Legrand; her aunt, Joan Cleveland; and many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Craig Cushing, and her parents, Neal and Glenna Carpenter.

Pamela will be remembered for her warmth, quiet strength, and deep devotion to her family. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved her. Quoting a coworker and friend, "nothing brought out her beautiful smile more quickly than talking about her grandchildren."

We want to thank all the family members who helped when needed, especially Sue, Ashley, and Katlynne, her dream team, as well as UVMMC Home Health and Hospice and the McClure Miller Respite House for their kindness and for providing Pam with the best care and support possible.

Visiting hours will be held at A.W. Rich Funeral Home in Essex Junction on Friday September 19, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. In place of flowers, donations in Pamela's memory can be made to the Friends of Burnham Memorial Library or

UVMMC Home Health and Hospice.