Pamela Audrey Della

Pam was born near the beach at Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the daughter of James and Irene Latta. Her father was a Trans-Atlantic cable manager and had assignments in various parts of South America.
After spending her first ten years in Brazil Pam moved to Lima, Peru for the next ten years. She enjoyed the culture and learned to speak fluent Spanish which she remembered to this day. She was an excellent athlete and loved playing badminton and going swimming, even in the remote areas of the Amazon river fortunately no scary stories to tell.
She developed her life-long passion and appreciation for art and painting, taking classes from several teachers and learning to practice, practice, practice. She still painted almost every day until her passing.
She met her husband Dan in Peru and after he coached the Peruvian national basketball team, taking them to the 1948 London Olympics, they were married in Lima. They then moved together back to Delano, California, in the San Joaquin Valley.
In 1955, when Dan was offered the opportunity to move to the Bay Area as the original principal of the new Clayton Valley High school, Mom and Dad settled in Walnut Creek. With three children and soon a fourth, Pams ability to spend time painting was limited. However, she finally made the decision to pursue her passion again, taking several classes including some from well-known artist Jade Fon. Jade became a mentor and beloved partner to Pam and together they organized the Jade Fon Asilomar Watercolor Workshop in Carmel. After Jades passing, Pam continued to run the program for the next seventeen years. She also helped to organize the Jade Fon Painters group, which continues to exist today. She was a popular art teacher at Rossmoor in Walnut Creek as well as conducting several classes for Acalanes Adult Education. Pam also organized and led many group painting tours to various locations such as Mexico, the Baltic peninsula, France and Greece. Her own artwork was recognized with numerous awards, including four Best in Show Awards from the prestigious Society of Western Artists. Her many accomplishments were truly amazing.
Pam is preceded in death by Dan, daughter Linda and Pams sister Joan. Surviving are sons Jim and David (Karen) and daughter Dianne Marcotte, grandkids Breanne Shaffer (Cole), Marissa and Brock Marcotte (Mackenzie) plus great grandkids Joey, Lane, Luke, Maverick and Madison, special friends Marjy Rogers, Justin Watkins, Louise Nguyen and so many beloved members of the art community.
We will all miss Mom so very much, but know that she will be helping to paint rainbows in the sky.
A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, June 4th at 1:00 at Oakmont Memorial Park & Mortuary.
2099 Reliez Valley Road, Lafayette. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.
Services
Celebration of Life
Wednesday
June 4, 2025
1:00 PM
Oakmont Memorial Park
2099 Reliez Valley Rd.
Lafayette, CA 94549 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Pamela, please visit our Tree Store.