Obituary for Pamela Canfield Knechtel
Artistically, musically, and spiritually inclined, our dear daughter, mother, niece, cousin, and friend, Pamela (Norton) Knechtel passed away on May 30, 2020 at Rhode Island Hospital at the way-too-young age of only 57. But age is only a number, and if anyone lived, looked, thought, acted less than - and respectfully defied and denied - one’s stated number, it certainly was Pami!
With a most special and unique connection to each of those who survive her, Pami was and will
always remain a loyal, loving, and faithful daughter to her dear mother, Ruth; an incredibly-bonded and devoted mother to Melissa Knechtel and Jennifer Parker; an extremely proud, cherished, and adored Nana to Apollo and Kasyah; a dear niece to Bradford and Robert Brodeur and Joan (David) Stapleton; and a close cousin of Tyler and Sydney with whom she shared a ‘sisterly’ relationship. Her special friends, Eric, Annemarie, Bea, and Michael, and her beloved pets, Shnewbie and Polka Dot also survive her.
Born in Boston on October 15 th , 1962 to Ruth (Brodeur) Norton and the late Donald Norton, she
was raised, educated, and enjoyed her youth in the Boston and Cape Cod areas. A life-long learner, she attended Cape Cod Community College. She was an avid Scrabble player, always in hot pursuit of the most difficult words and challenging herself and her game mates to find those with the highest point value.
Vibrant and colorful describes her life, her personality, her wardrobe, and even her hair! After experimenting with a rainbow of colors, she finally settled on pink. For home décor, however, green was the color of choice, and her never-ending search for that particularly perfect shade that she once saw in a lettuce leaf will likely continue in the afterlife. Her home was always beautifully decorated for every season. A fashionista of sorts, she never wore black and always lit up every place she graced with her warm smile and eccentric charm.
Pami loved all genres of music, but no other artist could compare to Usher; not even her school days’ favorites like ‘Hotel California’ by the Eagle’s, ‘Reasons’ by Earth, Wind, & Fire, or ‘Poision’ by Bel Biv Devo. These, together with so many others, and music in general will forever remind us of her as they - and she - play on in our hearts.
She always looked forward to her Sunday evening ritual of watching then critiquing reality shows with Jennifer; there was no stopping the gossip during commercials; sustained laughter and tears evoked a rainbow of emotions during and following good dramas. With Melissa, it was the more serious documentaries on the history that created our world and conspiracies of ancient aliens which tuned them to a common channel.
As much as she loved being the center of attention and indelibly imprinting us with her colorful vibrancy, she had a quieter side, too, and found great pleasure and solace in the fresh sea air on the sands of Bank Street Beach in beautiful Harwichport. Escaping the hustle and bustle of city life, she enjoyed spending quality family time there with her always-supportive mother, daughters, and grandchildren, to whom she was so very devoted. It is there, too, that many fond memories were made and where Pamela’s cremains shall rest in its peacefulness for all eternity. Private services will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Berarducci Home & Cremation Center in Providence.
With a most special and unique connection to each of those who survive her, Pami was and will
always remain a loyal, loving, and faithful daughter to her dear mother, Ruth; an incredibly-bonded and devoted mother to Melissa Knechtel and Jennifer Parker; an extremely proud, cherished, and adored Nana to Apollo and Kasyah; a dear niece to Bradford and Robert Brodeur and Joan (David) Stapleton; and a close cousin of Tyler and Sydney with whom she shared a ‘sisterly’ relationship. Her special friends, Eric, Annemarie, Bea, and Michael, and her beloved pets, Shnewbie and Polka Dot also survive her.
Born in Boston on October 15 th , 1962 to Ruth (Brodeur) Norton and the late Donald Norton, she
was raised, educated, and enjoyed her youth in the Boston and Cape Cod areas. A life-long learner, she attended Cape Cod Community College. She was an avid Scrabble player, always in hot pursuit of the most difficult words and challenging herself and her game mates to find those with the highest point value.
Vibrant and colorful describes her life, her personality, her wardrobe, and even her hair! After experimenting with a rainbow of colors, she finally settled on pink. For home décor, however, green was the color of choice, and her never-ending search for that particularly perfect shade that she once saw in a lettuce leaf will likely continue in the afterlife. Her home was always beautifully decorated for every season. A fashionista of sorts, she never wore black and always lit up every place she graced with her warm smile and eccentric charm.
Pami loved all genres of music, but no other artist could compare to Usher; not even her school days’ favorites like ‘Hotel California’ by the Eagle’s, ‘Reasons’ by Earth, Wind, & Fire, or ‘Poision’ by Bel Biv Devo. These, together with so many others, and music in general will forever remind us of her as they - and she - play on in our hearts.
She always looked forward to her Sunday evening ritual of watching then critiquing reality shows with Jennifer; there was no stopping the gossip during commercials; sustained laughter and tears evoked a rainbow of emotions during and following good dramas. With Melissa, it was the more serious documentaries on the history that created our world and conspiracies of ancient aliens which tuned them to a common channel.
As much as she loved being the center of attention and indelibly imprinting us with her colorful vibrancy, she had a quieter side, too, and found great pleasure and solace in the fresh sea air on the sands of Bank Street Beach in beautiful Harwichport. Escaping the hustle and bustle of city life, she enjoyed spending quality family time there with her always-supportive mother, daughters, and grandchildren, to whom she was so very devoted. It is there, too, that many fond memories were made and where Pamela’s cremains shall rest in its peacefulness for all eternity. Private services will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Berarducci Home & Cremation Center in Providence.