Plan for the Future
Pamela M. Cousland (née Thomas), 64, of Chatham, NJ passed away on Monday, October 15, 2018 at home, surrounded by her family. Pam was born in Mildura, Victoria, Australia, on July 6, 1954 and spent her early years in nearby Merbein.
She later settled in Melbourne and worked as an accountant before becoming a high school teacher in Hamilton, Victoria. In 1980, Pam married Greg and soon after they started a family in Melbourne.
In 1987, she and her family moved to Chatham, NJ. After spending a few years at home raising her daughters, she attended County College of Morris and started a new career as a registered nurse, working in the Oncology department of Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ for 20 years. In 2007, Pam and her husband relocated to London and later to Montréal. They enjoyed exploring their new cities and traveling as much as possible in their free time. They returned home to Chatham in 2011.
Throughout her life, Pam was an avid reader and enjoyed crafts. She was also an excellent cook and baker and loved preparing special holiday celebrations for the people she loved. She spent many hours walking at Loantaka with friends, and, in her earlier years, she played a lot of tennis.
Pam was predeceased by her parents, John and Gladys Thomas, and father and mother-in-law Jack and Mabs Cousland. She is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Greg Cousland; daughters Fiona and Michelle Cousland and Michelle’s husband, Andrew Durkin; brothers Brian and Bob Thomas and Bob’s wife Mary; and a large family of aunts, uncles and cousins back in Australia. She also leaves behind cherished friends around the world.
A Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 11am at Chatham United Methodist Church, 460 Main Street in Chatham, NJ. There will also be a visitation on Friday, October 19, 2018 from 6-8pm at the Wm. A Bradley & Son Funeral Home, 345 Main Street in Chatham, NJ. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Pam may be made to the National Kidney Foundation at kidney.org.