WHITE--Pamela Steele,

gifted therapist and beloved mother, wife, and friend, died June 6, 2016. She was 69. Pamela is survived by her husband, Edward White, her brother Chum Steele, her children Banker White, Devon White Angelini, and Luke White, her grandchildren Leif, Elin, Dylan, Edward, Oscar, and dozens of well-earned friends. Pamela was born in Boston, and had a self-described "fairy tale" childhood. She was raised in the Hotel Continental in Harvard Square which was owned and managed by her father, Chauncey Steele. She often posed for paintings for her mother, renowned artist Marian Steele. Pam shared her fairy tale charm and optimism throughout her remarkable life. Pam was a unique, vibrant spirit who was loved by all who knew her. She had many careers: a professional model, a teacher for the developmentally delayed, a social worker and health counselor at Milton Academy, and a therapist in private practice. She co-founded a Boston area a cappella group, The Second Wind, which is in its 43rd consecutive year performing. She was a trusted ally and feared opponent on the tennis court, and an exemplar sportswoman. Even her battle with Alzheimer's disease was transformed into a work of art in "The Genius of Marian," a feature length documentary directed by her son Banker White and his wife Anna Fitch. Above all else, she loved her family, was fiercely loyal, and made everyone around her feel heard, loved, and lucky to have known her. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 10th at 12pm at the Church of the Redeemer in Chestnut Hill. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Pamela Steele White Family Foundation, c/o Lynch Brewer Hoffman & Fink, 75 Federal St., 7th Floor, Boston, MA 02110. The foundation will fund scholarships to deserving students in the Boston Area, among Pamela's other charitable interests.

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Published by New York Times on Jun. 8, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for PAMELA WHITE

26 Entries

Tracy Tyler-O'Reilly

February 26, 2017

Dear Ed and Family,
I am just learning of Pam's passing and know you have lost the light of your life.
She was a wonderful, caring, and compassionate person, as I knew her. I was blessed to have met her and to have spent those days with her.
She left her mark on my heart and I will alway treasure her smile and generous way of listening.

My heart and deep sympathy goes out to each of you. You had a very special lady in your life. I was blessed to have met her, and her family.

Olivia Hecht

October 28, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. I grew up going to Good Harbor, my grandfather was very close to Marian -we have many of her paintings including a portrait she did of him. My mom used to babysit Pam, and Pam was closer in age to my aunt and they were friends. What a vibrant and beautiful spirit the world was so lucky to have had.

Heather Stergos

July 2, 2016

My deepest condolences to the entire family. I watched "The Genius of Marian" several months ago and Pam has been close to my thoughts ever since. Alzheimer's runs in my partner's family and the documentary was the final motivation we needed to finally become involved with the Alzheimer's community. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful wife/mother/sister/friend with all of us. She is a lesson in spirit, class, grace and vibrancy.My heartfelt sympathy to you all.

Madelyn Medeiros

June 25, 2016

Dear White Family, What a beautiful soul, what a challenging journey for all of you. I "just happened" to come across the film one night and am to be forever touched by it. Rest in peace Pamela.

Jessica-Isabella Hatton

June 25, 2016

Your family is the most amazing family. I grew up as a foster child, and even as an adult do not have a family. After watching your beautifully constructed documentary I found myself feeling for the very first time just how lovely some familys truly are. If there is that small chance that we are able to come back and live again,after death, I pray that I am blessed with a family as remarkable as yours. This documentary made me believe in love and family in a way I have never known. The most compelling part of what we have all been blessed enough to see through your vision and your family's love, is just how loved Pam was, I am sure to the very end. Seeing her treated so well gave me a whole new perspective on love, family, and life.

Thank you so much
Love, Jessica Isabella Hatton

Steve & Maria Tanzer

June 23, 2016

Dear White Family: I just happened to see "The Genius of Marian" a few moments ago, and can't believe she passed away just 17 days ago!! Pamela seemed like such a wonderful woman, and Edward is a saint! My wife & I know what he went through, as we brought my mother down from Boston (Beverly) here to Phila., & cared for her for 5 years, until '02, when she passed. We also cared for my mother-in-law (organic dementia) for six years, passing in 4/14, 2 months after turning 100! Our prayers are with you for peace, serenity, and happiness.

Kar Hopkins

June 19, 2016

What an amazing lady. I have watched the film about Pam several times. The love and care you all gave Pam was inspirational. Thank you for sharing your love story.

Mickey Finch

June 19, 2016

I accidently saw your film in the middle of the night when I could not sleep. I was so deeply touched by Pam and her family's beautiful story. We need to be able to discuss Alzheimer's and I hope her foundation will help in finding a cure for Alzheimer's! Thank you for sharing!

June 18, 2016

Your mother was an inspiration to many. I wish I could have met her. We grew up in the same area. I so enjoyed Bankers film and the artistic talent he truly inherited from his Mother.
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your family and your happiness that she will always leave you with in your heart.
Jinkle Jones Eslava
Daphne Alabama

Mary Pratt

June 16, 2016

Last night, I watched 'The Genius of Marian,'then like what Paula Paris of Cambridge Mass wrote, I also looked on Google for an update. Your care of Pam was so loving and kind. And the documentary is amazing. You must miss her terribly.

I speak from experience with my thought to you, because my paternal grandmother had Alzheimers in the 1950s before it had a name. I was 15 when she died, 3 years after my grandfather died, and my mother, and my fathers two sisters cared for her.

Your program brought back very sad memories, but also showed how much has improved in the treatment and care and understanding for Alzheimers sufferers.

Julianna LeBlanc

June 16, 2016

Your story about your mother was so inspirational because my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and live three years with it and thanks for sharing your mother story.

Ted Whalen

June 15, 2016

It was a joy and a privilege to work with Pam in the time I knew her at Milton Academy. Her spirit, sense of caring and love, and true joy in life were a blessing to behold.
My thoughts and love go to you all. Know she is remembered as the vibrant soul she was.
Ted

Kathy

June 15, 2016

I was so honored to have watched The Genius of Marian again today. Pam had an amazing spirit and brought such gifts to all those she touched. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.

Susan Phipps

June 14, 2016

After watching Banker's documentary for the second time last night, I feel like I know Pam. She was the type of person that I would have loved to call friend. My deepest sympathy to her family of which she obviously loved without measure. May her many legacies live on in her children and her dearly loved husband.

Paula Paris

June 14, 2016

I was first surprised, then shocked to see the photo and read the obituary in the Martha's Vineyard Gazette today of a person I had not seen since probably 1966,except for a few magazine ads. We had very different lives, but now it seems we shared a love of music and Katama. I met Pam when my family joined First Church in Cambridge in 1956. I thought it was very cool that she lived at the top of the hotel across the street, which is now a Harvard dorm. We were in the same Sunday School class and sang in the junior choir. I remember her as beautiful and full of joy. It is a comfort to see and read that those traits remained with her throughout her life.
My sincere condolences to her family.

John Burchfiel

June 14, 2016

Her warmth and love was so powerful. Thanks for sharing your loving family with the world

Titi Morales

June 14, 2016

I seen the documentary in 2014,saw it again today 6.13.16 so sorry for your loss,my words aren't enough :(

Denita

June 13, 2016

I just watched the documentary about this beautiful person. I was looking for an update when I saw this obituary. Although I do not know her, she has put a mark on my heart...what a kind spirit. My condolences to the entire family.

Kelley Mank

June 13, 2016

I just watched the genius of Marian and then looked Pam White up, and I sadly saw that she just passed a few days ago. She obviously was an amazing person but seriously she REMAINS amazing as she lives on in each of you and Ed you are amazing in your own right! You are all wonderful, loving, giving people BECAUSE, you are an extension of her. God Bless you all my heartfelt condolences in this difficult time.

Collot Guerard

June 10, 2016

I still remember Pam singing the solo parts in 8th grade in The Lonesome Train--a slow train, a quiet train, a lonesome train on a lonesome track--seven coaches painted black. What a lovely voice. RIP.

Nina (Green) Stutz

June 9, 2016

Shady Hill meant so much to so many of us... When we were in kindergarten we stood together peering into the grownups dancing in the ballroom - my mother was dancing with her father. We were entranced. Fast forward a few hundred years and there we were watching our husbands talking about years at Phillips Exeter. Lovely, lovely person with a lot of crossing tracks. You never knew when that glorious smile would appear. So sad that you all had such a tough time. Love to all.

carol post

June 9, 2016

Listening to Pam and her friends sing at the First Church at her Father's service was and is a beautiful memory for me.Pam was a lady with a twinkle in her eyes.

Julianne Griffin

June 8, 2016

My older sister, Janet, and I met Pam when we were all toddlers. Her parents and mine were close friends. (Alfred Jakstas was then conservator at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and Valerie was a volunteer for many charities.) We took ballet classes together--recitals were held at the Hotel Continental, and we all had many meals at the small downstairs restaurant near-by (name long forgotten by me.) I do think Marian painted some of us, and I think my father, an artist but not professional, painted Chum and Pam.
When I worked at the Fogg Art Museum in the early 1970s, Chauncey and Marian hosted me for something (also long forgotten), and I can't remember if I saw their children then.
I look forward to seeing Banker and Anna's film.

I send sincere condolences and joyful memories of earlier days.
Namaste, Julianne Jakstas Griffin

Rosamond Grew

June 8, 2016

To all the White and Angelini family.
Sending our deepest sympathy and condolences from all your friends in Costa Rica...the Grew Family. We send out special love at this very sad time and convey our profound thoughts of love and peace at this diificult time for you all. Fondly,
Rosamond, Nat Sr., Nat Jr., Ashley, Annette, Caroline, Nick and Dan and the Grew family.

Tami Raffanti

June 8, 2016

Sending love and peace.

Tami Raffanti

June 8, 2016

I just watched the Documentary and was wondering how Pam was doing, I am so saddened to hear this, what a wonderful family, you are all angels for your patience and understanding, to her Husband, the love you showed Pam is unforgettable. Rest in peace Pam.

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