Obituary of Pamela Thompson Cardoza

DURHAM, NC Mrs. Pamela Thompson Cardoza, 60, of Durham, NC passed away on Friday, August 30th at her residence. Pam was born on March 23, 1953 in Syracuse, NY the daughter of Grace Walker Thompson and the late Robert Thompson. Loving wife of Richard Cardoza, adored and devoted mother of Katie Cardoza. Pam is survived by her siblings Carol Carrano (John), John Thompson (Karen), Jean Wilsey (Mike), Joan Howard (Mark). Nieces and nephews Mark Carrano (Diane), David Carrano, Mitchell Wilsey and son Gavin, Jeffrey Wilsey, TJ Howard, Miles Howard and Andrea Howard, Jessica Moser (William), and children Morgan, Lauren and Patrick, Jamie Matoni (Ron) and children Talia and Thomas, Megan Dreimiller, John Dreimiller, Christin Salerno, Anthony Salerno, Jordan Smith and Collin Smith. In-laws Thomas Cardoza (Camille), Anne Dreimiller (John), John Cardoza (Dee), James Cardoza, Marguerite Salerno (Anthony), and Lisa Smith (Michael), aunt Clista Golden and many cousins. Loved by Leah and Rocky Goldsmith, children Olivia-Michelle, Griffin and goddaughter Madison. Pam graduated in 1975 from SUNY New Paltz with a Master's degree in elementary education. Pam had a successful career in higher education at SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Delhi, SUNY Buffalo, Duke University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University. Pam was especially passionate about public higher education. Pam touched the lives of everyone who met her with her kindness, helpfulness and her determination. Most important to Pam were her family and friends. She was a rebel with a cause... with her strength, generosity and ability to solve any problem. Pam saw the beauty in everything and everyone. Friends and family are invited to Walker's Funeral Home Tues. 9/3/2013 from 2:00pm - 4:00pm and 6:00pm - 8:00pm. Funeral serviceswill be at the Newman Center in Chapel Hill on Wed. 9/4/2013 at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to one of Pam's favorite charities in her memory: The Southern Poverty Law Center, Inter-Faith Council of Carrboro, and the Newman Catholic Student Center Parish at UNC. "When I die, she said, I'm coming back as a tree with deep roots and I'll wave my leaves at the children every morning on their way to school and whisper tree songs at night in their dreams. Trees with deep roots know about the things children need."~Brian Andreas