Obituary of Pamela Joanne Dart

June 13, 1952 – Athabasca, Alberta

February 11, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy but peaceful hearts that we announce the passing of Pamela Joanne Dart (nee Ball) on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at the age of 71 years, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Pam is survived by her devoted partner of nineteen years, Barry Cardamone, the carriers of her heart and stories, daughters, Bre-Ann Dart and Christie Chesney; her son-in-law Justin Chesney, whom she loved like a son, her grandchildren, Sawyer (her Moon Glow Boy) and Elsie Chesney (her Sunshine Girl); siblings, Bruce (Louise) Ball, Linda (John) Colberg, Lois (Henry) Lesser, Darcy (Maja) Ball, and David (Anette) Ball; a bounty of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and many dear friends who brought great joy throughout her cherished life.

Pam was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 30 years, Rick Dart, her parents, Mary and Ted Ball; and parents-in-law, Elsie and John Dart, and Joseph Cardamone.

Pam was born in Athabasca on June 13, 1952, and grew up in Drumheller where she perfected backcombing her hair and polishing her white sneakers. In her early twenties, she moved to Calgary, where she married Rick in 1974. The couple shared an enduring love and a marriage full of laughter. They had a light and happy life, raising their daughters in Midnapore where nighttime fire pits, family dinners, and softball games established an unwavering family bond until Rick passed away in 2005.

Later, Pam reconnected with Drumheller friend Barry, and found in him a loyal and loving partner. They built their gentle yet adventurous life on his beautiful farm near Rosebud, AB where Pam mastered driving the ride-on mower and adored attending the nearby theatre. Together, they enjoyed tending to their home as well as exploring parts of North and Central America, and Europe.

Her career life was as versatile and diverse as her skill set. She delighted in working at the Calgary Public Library where she also served as the Union Chief Steward. She later honed her procedural skills as the Safety Officer of Jo-Tex Services. A lifelong learner, Pam formally completed a BA in Sociology at the University of Calgary at the age of 40.

Pam was a fiercely proud mom and not only shared her dimples with her daughters, but her empathic and generous nature, energetic spark, and charming knack for shortening words into something unrecognizable. She had a genuine curiosity in people’s stories which nourished many deep connections with friends and family, especially her grandchildren.

Pam was a devout practitioner of meditation and recently discovered Tai Chi. She was an avid walker and lover of colourful footwear. She was in constant awe of nature and was able to enrich her connection with it on the farm, where the wildlife visits are plentiful and the nighttime skies, vast, clear, and sparkling.

Pam’s family would like to extend its infinite and humble gratitude to the care team of Unit 47 at the Calgary Tom Baker Cancer Centre as well as to the Chesney, Cardamone, and Ball families.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 2:00 pm. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

If friends so desire, our Pammy can be honoured by getting to know someone different than you, donating your favourite children’s book (one of hers was Love You Forever), admiring the moon and searching for Venus, or practicing gratitude for simple glimmers in your day, like a good cup of hot, black coffee.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Pamela’s family here.

In living memory of Pamela Dart, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.