SISTER PAMELA MARIE BUGANSKI, SND

Dependent upon God, Sister Pamela risked ministries that emerged from her heart, choosing difficult tasks for those experiencing poverty and oppression and giving herself totally in practical charity while working on systemic change. In the process, Sister raised the consciousness of many toward social justice. On June 9, 2020, God called her to Himself while she was on mission in Texas.

Born on October 29, 1956, in St. Louis, Missouri and baptized Pamela Marie, Sister Pamela was the oldest of 12 children of Dr. Raymond and Ruth (Holmes) Buganski. She attended St. Pius elementary school and Notre Dame Academy, both in Toledo. She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1975 and professed vows in 1978. After attending Notre Dame Extension College, she received a Master in Education at the University of Dayton and a Master in Administration for Non-Profit Organizations at the University of Notre Dame.

Sister spent 12 years teaching junior high at St. Mary, Norwalk; St. Mary, Leipsic; and Ladyfield and St. James, Toledo. She spent ten years teaching computer science and math at St. Mary High School, Sandusky, and Notre Dame Academy, Toledo. She was known for her excellence, intense preparation, and friendliness toward her students and colleagues.

Sister was the treasurer for the Sisters of Notre Dame from 2003 to 2013 when she was best known for her expertise and passion for socially responsible investments. In 2012 she became the American Project Manager of SewHope in Guatemala. Sister also participated in many volunteer ministries including Cherry Street Mission, SND International Investment Committee, Interprovince Collaborative Taskforce, and Peace and Justice Committee while also giving presentations on socially responsible investments in many schools and parishes. Sister's missionary spirit led her to three immersion experiences, one in Papua New Guinea and two in Guatemala.

After studying Spanish, Sister began social justice and immigration work in Falfurrias, Texas. Then began four years of volunteer ministry at ARISE and Annunciation House, as well as assisting in Dallas after Hurricane Harvey. While in Texas Sister led many groups on immersion experiences at the border. Sister was recently accredited by CLINIC as an advocate for those seeking citizenship. Just this month Sister was hired as a contact tracer for COVID19. She also had an outstanding gift of networking with people who had the same passion for the marginalized.

Sister Pamela is survived by her parents, Dr. Raymond and Ruth (Holmes) Buganski; four sisters, Cynthia (Lee) Parke, Lynn (Steve) Roberts, Laura (Sean) O'Toole, and Joan (Steve) Sadowski; and five brothers, Mark (Gloria), Joseph (Stephanie), Robert (Anne), David (Melissa), and Michael; along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sisters—infant Beth (1965) and Ann (John) Bishop (2020). She will be greatly missed by her family, religious community, and many friends.

A private memorial service will be held for the Sisters and her family at Urbanski Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, 5055 Secor Road, Toledo. In the interest of public health and safety, the Funeral Mass will be held at a later date.

Tributes may be made to the Sisters of Notre Dame at 3912 Sunforest Court, Toledo, or to the Sister Pamela Marie Buganski Scholarship Fund at Notre Dame Academy.

www.urbanskifuneralhome.com

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Published by The Blade from Jun. 14 to Jun. 16, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Pamela Buganski

12 Entries

Dave Pasinski

June 9, 2021

We have mentioned her many times and describing your experience is now pencil and in the opportunities that we have had this year to continue to advocate for many immigrants as well. She continues to be an inspiration to my wife and I.o

Lizzie Harr

July 9, 2020

Sister Pam was a light in my life. My 7th grade teacher who gave so much encouragement and energy to her students, at an age where they questioned their futures a lot. I was happy to have reconnected with her in my college years. She helped me learn about vocation and what it truly meant to serve others. She will be greatly missed from all the communities she touched and taught. May her sunflower always follow the sun!

Matt Steele

June 20, 2020

Ive been a math teacher for almost 20 years now and Sister Pam was the person who first set me on that particular path. In eighth grade at St. James, I had already taken the 8th grade math class previously due to being an advanced student. Unfortunately, the small school didnt have the resources to teach me algebra 1. So, Sister Pam asked me to teach small groups of my classmates from time to time. It was the first time that I got to experience the joy of seeing the light go on in a students eyes.

I am eternally grateful for the influence she had on my life and the lives of thousands of other people. She did a lot of good in her life. The world is a better place because she was in it.

The Buganski family will be in my prayers.

Kennedy Clyde

Sent Flowers

Susan Harr

June 16, 2020

Dear Buganski Family,
Were so sad to hear of Sister Pams untimely death. Her excellent teaching and commitment to social justice touched the Harr Family though our many years at Ladyfield and NDA. May God Bless Sr. Pam as she enters His Kingdom!

Dave Pasindki

June 15, 2020

We had the opportunity to work with Sister Pam at Annunciation House site in El Paso a year ago at this time. She was an inspiration to us as a family and very accommodating as well as being very organized and caring. She had to leave before we left there to go home and be with her dad for surgery and we never had contact again but the experience has indelibly touched our hearts as she did. We know her dedication to the refugees and to people in need And are grateful for the opportunity as a family to have met her. We trust she is welcomed with well done good and faithful servant....
Micah ,Mariah, Geri(Hall), Dave Pasinski

Sister Pam and Maui

Maui Martinez

June 13, 2020

I loved Sister Pam very much. She was not only one of my best friends but also my spiritual mentor. She was a living breathing example of the Gospel. She dedicated her entire life to serve the poor, the needy, the marginalized and forgotten. I am so grateful to God for giving me the wonderful gift of her friendship. My deepest condolences to her family. Take comfort in knowing that she is now in Heaven where she belongs at the side of our Loving Father.

Maria Martinez

Sent Flowers

Sharon Altendorf

June 13, 2020

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

Sr. M. Barbara Daugherty, SND

June 12, 2020

So sorry to learn of Sr. Pams death. Many prayers for Sister and her family.

Sally Clark

June 11, 2020

So sorry to hear about the unexpected death of Sr. Pam. Prayers for all her friends and family.

Rose Quilter rscj

June 11, 2020

I met Sister Pam because we both Were fortunate enough to work with women immigrant leaders at ARISE, in Alamo, Texas. She was smart, energetic, and deeply committed to the marginalized; she lived a prophetic gospel vision without fuss. Im heartbroken to learn of her death, but I trust that from her new home, we have all gained an intercessor. Watch out, world! This brings my condolences to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (You educated my parents in Binghamton, NY!) to Pams family, and to all who loved her. Gratefully, Sister Rose Marie Quilter rscj

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