One less smile is glowing today with the passing of Pamela "Pammie" Moriarity. She passed away on November 4, 2009. Pammie was born in Loudoun County on October 28, 1952. She grew to be a lively person who did not just love life, but embraced it. A real people person, she loved living in a group home being surrounded by her friends and the staff. Pammie had a great sense of humor, but also had a mischievous side to her. When new staff was introduced into the group home, Pammie's smile would grow even wider. She would pretend she was unable to independently do basic tasks of dressing or setting the table. However, once done by the staff, she would start to giggle. They knew Pammie had played a joke on them.

Pammie was a real social person who loved company and being in, and a part of, the community, participating in activities, except for swimming (which she hated). She worked through ECHO in Loudoun County. A hard worker, she loved her job site at the Shenandoah Office Building where she made mail deliveries to the offices and performed other administrative tasks. A devoted employee, she hated to miss even a day of work.

A very independent person, Pammie loved to shop and preferred shopping for her own clothes. If others would buy her gifts of clothes and shoes not to her liking, they soon learned she would find a unique way to get rid of them. She coordinated colors; her favorites being pinks and lavenders. She enjoyed having her nails done. Pammie had her preferences for her own room décor and each morning she placed her many varieties of stuffed animals on her bed in just the right order.

Pammie had her likes and dislikes, even in her taste of food. She was very fond of flavorful and spicy food but most of all, she liked her beer and soda. When at work, she liked to slip away from her task and talk staff into getting her a "soda pop". And they usually gave in to her request.

Physically, Pammie was just a tiny person standing a little over four feet tall with a small build. But she had an inner strength that she drew from many times as the need arose. To everyone else, it would seem as if her friends and caregivers contributed much to her daily life. But they will tell you differently. They will tell of the many times Pammie gave back to them and the blessings of knowing Pammie and having her for their friend.

Pammie's memories will continue to live on in her devoted friends Gary and Cindy Mester, along with the many friends she made through her residency at the group homes and in her workplace. Those who were acquainted with Pammie wish to thank the all the staff at the Loudoun County Community Services Board Group Homes and ECHOworks.

In her honor, a gathering of remembrance will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 between the hours of 1:00 pm and 3:00 p.m. at the Colonial Funeral Home, 201 Edwards Ferry Road, NE, Leesburg, VA 20176. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to ECHO, P.O. Box 2277, Leesburg, VA 20177.