Pamela Gayle (Hirsche) Bednar

Pam Bednar (nee Hirsche), cherished mother, nana, sister, aunt and friend to so many, of Calgary, AB passed away peacefully on May 31, 2024 at the age of 78 years.

Pam fought a 15-year fierce and courageous battle with congestive heart failure but the loss of her husband Heinz two months prior after almost 60 years of marriage, took its toll.  There is no cure for a broken heart.  Pam is survived by her children; Laurie (Tony), Leah and Heinz Jr; and her grandchildren Nicholas, Ryan and Matthew.  Pam is also survived by her sister Debra (Dan), her “other” children; niece-in-law Michaela, her husband Doug, their son Darren and daughter-in-law Laura; Jason, Angel and their children, her “other” grandchildren, James and Janelle; and nephew-in-law Guenter who all held a very special place in her heart.  Pam is also survived by her dear friends Terry, John and Marlene who have always been there for her and so many nieces, nephews, and other very dear and close friends.  Pam was pre-deceased by her husband Heinz, her Mother and Father, her older Sister and several other precious family members.

Pam was born in Lethbridge, AB and spent her early years in Stirling, AB.  The family moved to Lethbridge where she spent the remainder of her childhood.
 
Pam began her career in the hospitality industry at the Marquis hotel where her sister introducted her to the love of her life, Heinz.  They wed in May of 1964, in Lethbridge, AB and eventually settled in Calgary, AB to raise their family where they enjoyed spending time with family and friends, camping, road trips and gardening.  While raising her children, Pam also continued her career in the hospitality industry at Franconia Restaurant where she loved meeting new people every day and brought a smile to everyone who had the pleasure of chatting with her.

She later transitioned into the Retail field, beginning her new career working with United Cigar Store at Marlborough Mall where she excelled with her exceptional personality and customer service skills working her way up to District Manager until her retirement in 2010.

A special thank you to all the Nurses, Doctors, HCAs at the FMC, PLC Emergency Department and most importantly, at the PLC CCU, Unit 48 who have gone above and beyond and become members of Pam’s family during this extremely difficult time. There have been so many of you who have made such a difference and your kindness, compassion and empathy has meant the world to all of us.
 
There will be no memorial or funeral service at Pam’s request.  There will be a Celebration of Life for both Pam and Heinz at a later date.
 

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