Pamela Sue Kenna was born February 5th, 1947, in Chatham, New Brunswick. She died of natural causes at the age of 78, July 16, 2025, at the Bridgeview Nursing Home in Miramichi, NB. 

Pam was predeceased by her parents, Art and Sue Kenny; husband, Ben Kenna; sister, Glendene Reid, brother, Elliot Kenny; and her daughter, Tara Prokosh. 

Pam grew up in the small town of Bartibog Bridge and was one of five children. She and her siblings spent their childhood playing in the neighbourhood with cousins and friends. Her stories of her childhood occurred in places such as the gravel pit, boiling springs, and Jack’s Shore. Her mother always had rain barrels out, and one day came outside to see Glendene, Pam’s older sister, pouring cans of cold water over Pam’s head. Pam just stood there shivering. This core memory was the perfect description of the sisters’ relationship. 

After graduating high school Pam left Bartibog Bridge and struck out for Fredericton, where she attended Teachers College. She felt it wasn’t the right fit however, so she moved to Moncton and studied Bookkeeping. After a whirlwind courtship, she married her first husband, Roy Prokosh, and they settled in Hillsborough. Two years later, when Roy retired from the Navy, they, and their daughter, Tania, moved to British Columbia, where another daughter, Tara, was born. When the marriage ended after eight years, Pam and her girls moved back to New Brunswick where she lived the rest of her life. 

A few years later Pam met Ben, and eventually they had their son, Logan. Life was good for a little while, but tragedy struck with the sudden death of her daughter, Tara. The loss of her child shook her world, and things were never the same. However, life carried on, as it does. Pam and Ben got married, the kids grew up, and after a while Pam found herself wondering if, maybe, she had what it took to go to university. She enrolled at St. Thomas University and after three years she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours in English Language and Literature. Everyone was thrilled for her and proud of her accomplishments, but from then on it was impossible to let slip any incorrect spelling or punctuation. It certainly ensured a lively, and grammatically correct, conversation. One thing Pam was especially proud of was that her children and grandchildren all had post-secondary education, including two granddaughters who earned their Masters. 

Pam was a master seamstress. From curtains and cushion covers, to most of her clothing and even her wedding dress, there was nothing she couldn’t make. When cleaning out her house for sale, no less than nine large plastic tubs filled with fabric were found. Because, as she always said, “you just never know”. She was very interested in interior decorating and gardening, and as a result of this her home was filled with colour both inside and out. Every few years she made a drastic change somewhere, including painting her living room red (before it was fashionable), and even painted the outside of her house pink. It didn’t matter what the trends were, she always did what she liked. 

The year the Confederation Bridge opened Pam signed up for the long walk across. She walked across the bridge with a group of family members, soaking up the sun and marveling at the new way to “go to the Island.” Upon completing the journey, Pam found herself feeling a little lightheaded and ended up fainting! Fortunately she did so in front of an army battalion who were also crossing the bridge and they quickly jumped into action. They carried her to shade, gave her water, and made sure she was alright. Pam always did love a man in uniform. 

Pam enjoyed listening to music. Some of her favourites included ABBA, The Beatles, Bobby Vinten, and of course, Tom Jones. She also loved Peter, Paul and Mary, especially their song Leaving on a Jet Plane, and always made sure to play it whenever anyone went on a big trip. 

Six years ago Pam was informed that after many falls and a previous stroke, she could no longer care for herself. This was a blow for a woman as independent as Pam, but once she accepted this was her fate she set about getting her affairs in order, having her daughter pack up and sell her house. She eventually settled at Kelly’s Special Care Home, where she lived for just over six months. She had great care, and she especially enjoyed the food. Eventually she moved to Miramichi Seniors Nursing home, and then on to Bridgeview Nursing Home, where she has lived for the last five years. Pam’s family would like to thank all the staff at these homes for their care of her during this time.

Pam leaves behind a large family who will miss her. They include: Her children, Tania (Phil) Taekema of Shediac Bridge, NB, Logan Kenna of Ho Chi Minh Province, Vietnam, Wanda (Keith) McKellar of Dunnville, ON, Troy (Charlene) Kenna of Sherkston, ON. Grandchildren, Alexandria (Willy) Western of Fort Erie, ON, Dael Taekema of Shediac Bridge, NB, Holland (Fraser Graham) Taekema of Edinburgh, Scotland, Sophie (Liam) Lonergan of Fort Erie, ON, Alyssa Pare of Fort Erie, ON, Beck Taekema of Shediac Bridge, NB. Great Grandson, Killian Lonergan. Brothers, Tom (Bev) Kenny of Miramichi, NB and Dan (Della) Kenny of Ingleside, ON. Sister-in-law, Janis Kenny. Many nieces and nephews. Her beloved cat, Scamper. 

Visitation will take place on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Jardine Funeral Home, from 1-2pm Followed immediately by the funeral at Jardine Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at St. George’s Catholic Cemetery in Covedell New Brunswick. 

In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcome at the IWK and the Beausejour Family Crisis Resource Centre/Centre de Resso. Messages of condolence can be sent through the funeral home website: www.miramichifunerals.ca.