Obituary of Pamelia L. Waterbury

Pamelia Waterbury, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2023 in Delmar, New York. 

Pam as she was known to friends and family was born on December 22, 1928 in Pittsfield, Ma.to Ira D. and Susanna Hayford.  She came with her family to Albany, New York where she soon went to work for Albany Medical Center Hospital.  Pam enjoyed a career there for over 40 years. Most of her work there was in medical records where she was liked by her coworkers and staff and by “her resident physicians”.

Pam also worked hard to raise her 3 children.  Having grown up during the depression, Pam wanted to give her children the things she couldn’t have as a child.  She saw to it that they had a stable home and vacations to Maine and Cape Cod in the summers.

Upon her retirement in 1997, she moved into the Good Samaritan senior housing in Delmar.  She made many friends there and she alone worked to organize holiday parties, celebrations and events for the residents.  She made many friends there with whom she enjoyed card parties, theater, concerts, bingo.  She was also active with the Town of Bethlehem Senior community and used their services and joined in their outings.

The joy of her retirement years was getting to care for her granddaughter Jessica Rawlins who was very loved by her.  She often said she got to have the relationship with Jess than she had never had time for with her own children.  She was a regular with Jess at the Elm Avenue Park Pool, and took her to dance lessons and attended all school events.

Pam was a member of the Polish American Citizens Club with her sister.  They participated in club activities and meetings and played on the women’s darts team.

Pam’s passion in life was reading.  She read to her children when they were small and encouraged them to enjoy reading, buying them books for gifts.  She was often seen sitting in her chair with a cup of coffee and a book.

Pam is survived by her children, Susanna Martin (Rick), Richard Rawlins, Michele Rawlins (Dennis Humphrey); her sister Lois Klouse; her granddaughter, Jessica Rawlins and her grandson, Jeremiah Rawlins; and numerous nephews, nieces and grand nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved brother, Donald Hayford and his wife, Florence, as well as her husband, Earl Rawlins.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, June 13 from 4 to 6 pm at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar.  A graveside service will be held at 9:30 am on Wednesday, June 14 at Memory Gardens, Colonie.  Memorial donations may be made to Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY  12204.