Pam Bracken

Pamela Margaret (Pam) Bracken, 78, of Royal Wootton Bassett, was remembered by a large congregation at St Bartholomew's Church, where a celebration of her life followed the cremation at Kingsdown. The Rev Rachma Abbott, who officiated at both services, spoke of Pam's joy in her family, as a daughter, wife of the late Eddie, mother of Richard, Michael and Jane, beloved grandmother, friend, neighbour and member of the church.

Pam's love of her garden was recalled in a poem, God's Garden, read by her granddaughter Lucy.

Pam was born in March 1938 in London and was raised in Rainham, Essex, during the Second World War. After being orphaned as a young woman, she appreciated the lifelong friendship of Pauline, and the kindness of the Bracken family next door. Eddie Bracken, a sailor eight years older than Pam, arrived on leave and attempted to leap over the garden fence to greet his attractive young neighbour. Unfortunately, his flip flops caught in the fence and he was thrown literally at Pam's feet, having broken a toe! This was one of several anecdotes about Pam's eventful life. Happily, courtship ensued and the petite Pam and her tall sailor were wed in July 1959.

Pam's younger days were full of adventure and achievement. She became a professional ballerina and danced as a cygnet in Swan Lake on the London stage. In later years, she taught dancing. After marriage, she went to sea with Eddie, and was the only woman aboard when the ship visited European ports. Sadly she had to stay at home when he voyaged to Australia and New Zealand, and she worked for the Prudential.

Pam and Eddie gained great happiness and contentment from their loving family, and the children's friends were welcomed warmly at their home in Honeyhill. Pam loved to socialise and many happy memories are cherished. Pam doted on her family, whose support she valued especially since Eddie's death 15 years ago.

Pam enjoyed travel, and the Rev Rachma mentioned happy times in the Mediterranean and America, with family and friends. Pam enjoyed membership of the Castrol 20 Club, the Ladies Guild, the Masonic Widows and the church where she attended the Wednesday morning communion.

Pam's family invited everyone to share refreshments and more reminiscences at The Clarendon Suite, Marsh Farm Hotel, after the service. Memorial donations for Prospect Hospice may be sent via Maslin Funeral Service, 118a High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett SN4 7AU.