Pamela Lynn Bookman's Obituary
Pamela L. Bookman, age 63 of Milton, DE, passed away on Friday, November 10, 2023, at her home after a long battle with ovarian cancer. She was born was born on June 18, 1960, in Queens, New York, daughter of the late Harold and Gladys Bookman.
Pam and her family moved to Willingboro, New Jersey in 1961. She attended public schools there and graduated from Willingboro High School, Class of 1978. Pam played numerous sports in high school and her field hockey team won the 1976 New Jersey State championship. She went on to Trenton State College and graduated in 1982 with a BS in Health and Physical Education. Pam played lacrosse and field hockey at TSC and was a starter on both their NCAA championship field hockey team and the AIAW lacrosse championship team in 1981.
Pam was a lifeguard during the summers for the Willingboro Pool program. After graduating from college, she worked as a courier for FedEx, a career from which she retired after 30 dedicated years. Pam also served as an assistant high school field hockey and lacrosse coach for a few years.
Pam lived in Mount Laurel before eventually buying a home in Shamong, New Jersey. She was an avid animal lover and raised two cats, Buster & Leo, before she was found by her beloved English black lab, Addie. Along the way, Pam adopted a Maine Coon cat named Mac. She was well known to provide treats to all the dogs along her FedEx routes.
When Pam retired to Milton, Delaware, Addie and Mac gladly came along. Addie and Pam walked the Windstone neighborhood and made lasting friendships with other dog lovers.
Mac also developed his own fan base in the development. Until Addie passed away, she was a constant companion and part-time caregiver during Pam’s illness. Eventually Pam acquired a rambunctious, yellow lab puppy named Maddie, who kept her and the neighbors quite busy for nearly 2 years. Maddie is now living in North Carolina with a dear friend who has dogs to keep her company. Mac will soon be going to another loving home.
Pam took up golf as a way to pass the time and meet people in retirement. She was actually “bitten by the golf bug“ and spent hours playing with her friends at the Rookery south and north courses. She acquired another hobby, collecting lost golf balls, which fill up many containers in her garage. Pam’s golf skills improved rapidly, and she was happy to report her numerous pars and occasional birdies to Cindy and Anne.
Pam cultivated a wonderful group of friends in the lower Delaware area and Windstone community. Many of them became her extended family. Pam was not known as a cook, but she was always well fed by her neighbors. She cherished their gourmet meals and companionship. The friends cared for each other’s animals, commiserated over problems, went on trips, and celebrated many birthdays together.
That network of friends also supported Pam throughout her cancer journey. They provided meals, cared for her pets, took her to appointments, and visited her when she wasn’t feeling well enough to go out. Many hours were spent with them on her screened-in porch. Most importantly, they loved her through to the end. Several were present and provided comfort to Cindy and Anne when Pam’s struggle ended peacefully.
Cindy and Anne will be forever grateful for the kindness and love extended to them and Pam throughout the tough times. Words cannot adequately express the depth of our thanks to everyone that helped out physically and spiritually.
Pam is survived by her loving sister, Cindy Bookman; and her sister-in-law Anne Sonoga of Mount Laurel, New Jersey.
Pam requested that donations in her name be sent to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. The Hospice staff provided much needed guidance and comfort to Pam and her family.
A celebration of Pam’s life will be held in her home in the near future. Details will be conveyed by close friends and the Next Door site.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
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