Born 1937 in Toronto, Pamela Greene Osler Delworth died peacefully in her sleep on January 8th, 2022 in Ottawa. Predeceased by her parents, Barbara Greene and Britton Bath Osler, brothers Glyn, Derek and Fen, as well as husband, W. Thomas Delworth, former Canadian ambassador and Provost of Trinity College (U of T), Pam is survived by her loving son, Christopher Delworth, and his wife Elisabeth (Brodeur), and is fondly remembered by adoring nieces and nephews, faithful friends and colleagues. Her elegance, gentle kindness and intellectual curiosity will remain with us always.
At The Bishop Strachan School, Pam was a popular school Captain. After a year at Neuchatel, she went on to study art history at the University of Toronto. Following two years in Paris, Pam returned home to join the National Gallery of Canada in 1964 as a curator of Prints and Drawings, remaining until Tom's appointment in 1970 as Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia. Thereafter, Switzerland, Hungary, Sweden and Germany. Perhaps it had been her own mother's involvement with Hungarian refugees after the uprising in 1956 that made Pam such an enthusiastic representative of Canada and gracious hostess in her supporting role abroad. On returning to Canada in 1993, Pam began an active role as volunteer to the NGC, co-founding the Friends of the Print Room. Drafting its mandate and raising financial support through membership, she achieved a fine balance as educator and archivist, scrupulously directing the handling of fragile works on paper and the encouragement of a wider audience. In recognition, she was presented in 2004 with the Ontario Association of Art Galleries Award of Merit for outstanding dedication as a Volunteer.
Continuing to spend summer months at the family retreat in Métis Beach, it was only with the complications of a stroke suffered in 2015 that this lifelong sojourn was abandoned. She persevered with fortitude and grace.
The family is especially grateful to both the Rockcliffe and Edinburgh Retirement Residences, in particular, Dr. Heather Galbraith, nurses Catherine and Susan, and Pam’s physiotherapists for their loving care and support. Private family interment to be held at the Beechwood Cemetery. Family and friends will be invited to celebrate Pam's life at a memorial service to be arranged in the Spring.
Messages of Condolence may be left at www.beechwoodottawa.ca In lieu of flowers, contributions in Pam's memory to the Friends of the Print Room Trust, National Gallery of Canada are sincerely appreciated and may be directed to Lisa Turcotte, foundation@gallery.ca
Digital Guestbook
Charmaine and Riley Klassen
Charlie Hill
My sincere condolences to Christopher and Elisabeth. I met Pam in 1967 when I first started working at the National Gallery and had frequent occasions to work with her when she was so active with the Friends of the Print Room. We are all in her debt.
Best wishes,
Charlie Hill
Raymond, Karthy Brodeur and family
Chris, the accomplishments and dedication of your mother are so inspiring. She was an amazing woman and a role model for others. Our condolences and deepest sympathies to you and your family for your loss.
Erika Von Conta-Bruce
Please accept my sincere condolences. While I haven't see Pamela for many years, I retain a very vivid memory of her. She and Tom were among the first persons I met when I came to Canada. I was an ardent admirer of her magnificent red mane.
Thérèse Lorrain
Dear Christopher
I would like to offer my sincere condolences for the loss of your mother. I have met her in Stockholm while I was working for your father. I remember her as a very nice woman.
Therese Brodeur
My deepest condolences to Chris, Lisa and family during this heartbreaking time. Pam was a lovely, elegant lady. When I met her at your wedding, she was very kind and welcoming to our family. Also to mention, she had great style and I was so impressed by her. I know she will be greatly missed. May she live on in your hearts. God Bless her and your family?.
David Ferrabee
Pam and Tom were regular visitors to my childhood homes. They knew my parents from Metis but regularly met up in paces even more far flung and remote. I remember both of them fondly as were were often invited to spend time with the dinner guests before dinner. Laughter and lots of big smiles. That's how I'll always remember them. /df
Lena Creedy
I met Pamela in the early 2000 at the National Gallery. I have fond memories of my visits to the Print Room in the early 2000 where she and her team welcomed me with my diplomatic friends who were very interested in learning about works by Inuit artists.
Meredith Meads
I had the absolute pleasure to getting to know Pamela when I worked at Trinity College. She was a marvellous woman - gracious, witty and intrepid. I had a lovely visit with her in Rockwood in 2014 that has stayed with me over the years. May her memory be a blessing.
Mary Carmen Olivas Weston
D.E.P. Sra Pam Delworth le conocí en un pueblo Gingins cerca a Ginebra en 1975 . Cristhoper su hijo tendría 1 año o menos. Ella muy elegante y educada lo mismo su esposo .
So sorry for your loss. Your mother sounds like an amazing person that lived a very full life. I wish we could have met her. Take care❤️