Pamela Buxton died early on Saturday morning, August 21. The news given by her husband Paddy, was sad but not unexpected. Pamela herself had steadfastly refused to be oppressed by her diagnosis several years back of terminal cancer. She continued bravely as we had known her, always smartly dressed and with her bright cheerfulness and interest in life.
Pamela and Paddy Buxton came to live at the rectory in Gungarden Rye in 1989, when Paddy was appointed to succeed Revd. David Maundrell as rector. Rather than becoming the traditional vicar’s wife, Pamela took on the post of administrator at Hillcrest School, Hastings.
She took great pleasure in her gardening but also joined in the social round, playing an active part in the life of Rye. When Paddy retired in 1994, with the bishop’s special permission to stay in the parish he served, they bought the house in The Mint with its lovely garden. The annual open garden event was always a popular fixture for charity fund-raising.
Together they enjoyed travelling and sailing holidays. In her spare time Pamela turned to writing, starting with children’s stories and then a series of successful novels. She took part on a writers’ panel with other local authors at the 2018 Rye Arts Festival.
Pamela had a sharp intelligence, questioning quite fiercely matters that were amiss or with which she did not agree. Attendance at the annual town meetings gave her scope for comment on matters of local concern.
A personal anecdote demonstrates her stoicism: a friend happened to be passing her house last week and looked in through the gate at her garden. “Come in, and look around” she called, “because I won’t be here next week.“ She vouchsafed the same to several others in her last weeks, an amazing example of bravery. Our best wishes go out to all her family.
The funeral will take place on Friday August 27 at Playden church and a memorial service will be held next Tuesday August 31 at 3pm in St Mary’s, Rye.
Image Credits: Rye News library .
Pam was indeed a very brave lady. I spent some time with her recently in her beautiful garden. She was telling me about all the things she had been doing with various plants to ensure that they would look their best next year. I am so pleased to have known her and I know that we will all be thinking of Paddy and all the family.
She will certainly be missed! A special lady!
Thank you Kenneth, for writing such a nice appreciation of Pam’s life – she was, indeed, a life force to all of us. Marie and I will miss her tremendously – she had this extraordinary energy and enthusiasm about everything she did – and I always felt greatly encouraged whenever I met her. We will think of her and Paddy and the family and celebrate her life on Tuesday.
Whilst visiting Rye to celebrate our wedding anniversary in July, we had the great fortune to happen upon Pamela tending to her beautiful roses. We smiled and commented on her beautiful garden, and totally unexpectedly were two of the lucky to be invited in to have a look around. We admired the stunning Hollyhocks everywhere, and of course everything about the wonderful oasis in the middle of town. Pamela without hesitation told us of her terminal illness, which naturally shook us, but she would have none of our sadness, telling us of her wonderful life, family, and enjoyment of writing. I purchased one of her books at the local store, and as offered returned for Pamela to sign it for me. We will remember that brief encounter for ever, and each time I see a Hollyhock, Pamela will be there. Our sincere condolences to all her family, RIP Kathy and Graham xx