PAMELA G. LAWSON's Obituary
Pamela G. Lawson, aged 75, passed away on August 21, 2022 at Inova Loudoun Hospital. She was born in Washington DC to parents Edward F. McKnew and Gayle Osen. She is survived by her daughter Tanya L. Lawson and son-in-law Mark H. Sumimoto.
After graduating from McLean High School, Pam embarked on a 30+ year career with the US Intelligence Community. She maintained many long-standing friendships, and those who knew her had a friend who was loyal, thoughtful, good-hearted, and funny, with a sense of humor that bordered on bawdy.
She was an intrepid traveler and adventurer, and whether it was picnicking under a pink profusion of cherry blossoms in Tokyo, watching the city of Venice awaken at dawn, or trekking up the slopes of the ancient Acropolis, Pam knew how to experience life, to be mindful of every opportunity that comes our way.
She was a romantic and sentimentalist, thinking deeply of others, never forgetting a birthday, marveling at every new bloom in springtime, and valuing moments with friends and family, particularly her surviving siblings Edward F. “Mickey” McKnew (Karen), Barbara Griffin (Douglas), John Thomas “Tom” McKnew (Sandra), and Elizabeth Shimotani (Allen).
Pam knew certain truths in life: that White Christmas is the quintessential holiday movie, that pancakes are the ultimate breakfast food, wine is best when shared, and that kindness can change people’s lives.
She was never short on love and affection, especially for her daughter, to whom she helped foster an open mind, a charitable nature, and a compassionate soul.
Pam will be cremated and no public memorial services will be held, but condolences, stories, and pictures may be shared by those who knew and loved her at: https://www.loudounfuneralchapel.com courtesy of Loudoun Funeral Chapel. For those who wish to honor Pam, donations may be made in her name to Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary in Poolesville, MD at: Donate | Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary.
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