Pamela Jean Buell (nee Haney) died on Monday, October 3, with loving family at her side.
Born to Thelma and the late Robert Haney on November 3, 1960, Pam graduated from Lee M Thurston High School in Redford, MI, in 1978 and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Development from Michigan State University in 1982. Pam made lifelong friendships with her classmates.
She met and married her soul mate, Michael Buell, in 2004, and they spent her remaining years blissfully together.
Pam gave back to the world with a smile and energy that couldn't be beat. She devoted her life to helping others. She was a beloved social worker for the State of Michigan and later for the Florida Department of Children and Families after she and Michael moved to Vero Beach, FL. Her clients were often in difficult circumstances and she cared about them immensely. She did for others what most others couldn't, and did it with generosity, grace and a bubble of laugher.
Everyone knew that Pam danced, and she danced well. She was actually good at any sport she tried. Pam was one of those natural beauties whose impeccable style and graceful movements captured a room. And much more than that, she had a unique ability to connect with anyone with a kind word, an infectious smile, or a funny story. She loved and was loved.
She never took life for granted and traveled to taste and experience new places. But mostly, she enjoyed hanging out at home, listening and dancing to some Sly and the Family Stone, taking a dip, and having a generous pour of Chardonnay.
Pam was one of the three infamous Haney Sisters. They loved one another fiercely and, with their mom, Thelma, they were a strong female foursome who could conquer mountains (or beaches) and also enjoy quiet moments with one another or other cherished members of their tribe.
In her final days, Pam worried about the people that relied upon her. With that giving soul, she left behind a lot of broken hearts. She was loyal to her core and loved big - and was adored back. She was too young to leave.
Pam is survived by her husband Michael, mother Thelma Haney, sister Michelle Browning (Bill); and nephews Matt Beaudoin (Jen), and Dylan Browning. She's also survived by her step-children Meghan Morrow (Jesse), Justin Buell (Cat) and John Scott Buell, and grandchildren Shane, Brandon, and Harper and brother-in-law, Barry Beaudoin . She is preceded in death by her sister Sharon Beaudoin and father Robert Haney.
The family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m., Saturday, October 15 followed by a 3 p.m. memorial service at Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home, located at 1950 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the charity of your choice, or to FORCE www.facingourrisk.org to fight against hereditary ovarian cancer.
Anyone wishing to share a story or photos is asked to visit Pam's memorial page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1314915078527202/ or at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.