Pamela Bousquet’s Celebration of Life was a commemoration for Pam, a former community favorite in Marin City and Sausalito. She lived a full 80 years from November 11, 1940—November 13, 2020.
The celebration was held on her birthday, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 38 Issaquah Dock, Sausalito, her old houseboat. Coming into the house, we first heard the violin music and felt the warmth of the fire lamps out at the front of the house. Next, we saw the people Pam knew in her life, happily sharing their connection to Pam within their own conversations. Butler and buffet services were provided. The appetizers included beef flank steak, chicken mozzarella, ginger ale, sparkling water, champagne, vegetable spring rolls, and artisan bread.
A little more than an hour into the event, it was time for group memoirs. Friends, family, and even a neighbor shared their nuggets of memories about Pam that really stood out for them. One friend was not able to come, so she wrote a letter that was read by one of Pam’s grandchildren.
Pamela Bousquet is remembered as a woman full of surprises, an irreplaceable gem—tough as diamond, and just as rare. She was the strong older sister among her friends, and a tireless worker up until her death. Many of the people she knew during life will tell you stories of how brave and unpredictable she was. One day she tells you that she’s taken up volunteering as an editor for a nonprofit organization, the next day she’s teaching a sister pair of piano pupils; all true stories. Pam was the woman who, in her earlier years, crushed a tin can with her bare hands, and later, the woman who broke out of a nursing home with the help of a complete stranger. She was the woman who refused to retire.
Editor’s Note: This article was written by Jaliyah Cook. Along with her sister Antanasia, she was a piano student of Pam Bousquet’s. Jaliyah is a freshman at Tam High and has agreed to be the Marin City/Performing Stars liaison to the floating homes community. We look forward to receiving more articles from her.