Obituary of Pamela Blank Garfunkel

Pamela Garfunkel, 81 died on Monday, September 5, 2022 at Sunrise of Randolph, in Randolph, NJ. She was born in Queens, NY to the late William Blank and Florence (Jackson) Blank.  She grew up on Long Island, NY and spent most of her adult life in New Jersey. She is preceded in death by her parents, her son William Patrick Gibbons (2004) and her husband Robert Garfunkel (2019).

Pam was diagnosed with Parkinson’s over 30 years ago, an affliction she managed with grace and resolve. Parkinson’s was tough, but for a few decades, she was tougher. Her resolve and desire to continue to live her life was inspirational.

She is survived by sister Carol and brother Jeff, four children, John Doyle Gibbons of Roanoke, VA; Michael P. Gibbons (Susanna Bellis Gibbons) of St. Paul, MN; Catherine Forbes of Richmond, VA; and Mary Georgaros of Randolph, NJ. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren (Virginia Goodwin; Ceallach, Caitriona and Breandan Gibbons; and Luther and Henry Forbes; and two great grandchildren, Wolfe and Ruby Goodwin).

Throughout Pam’s life she was known to many people and by many names including: Pamela Anne Blank, Pam, Pammy, a Peck & Peck girl, Miss FIT, Mommy, Mom, Ma, Aunt Pam, Mrs. Gibbons, Mrs. G, class mother, class trip chaperone, car pool driver, Mrs. Garfunkel, and finally her favorite - Grammy Pammy. No matter the name, the care and the love were always present and always in the forefront of all she did. Her kindness was superseded only by her contagious smile and sense of humor and wit, the sharpness of which was all the more noticeable after she had lulled you into complacency with sweetness. 

Memorial Visitation to be held Friday, September 16, 2022 at Tuttle Funeral Home, Randolph, NJ (Tuttlefh.com) from 1-3pm. In Lieu of flowers please make donations to Parkinson’s Foundation, (parkinson.org).