Bowling Green — She believed the world was meant to be explored — and through her journeys, she found joy, understanding, and connection.
Pamela Anne (Clarke) Burrett
January 17, 1944 – October 26, 2025
Born January 17, 1944, in Bowling Green, KY, Pam passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025, in Charlottesville, VA, after living gracefully with dementia.
Pam called many places home throughout her life — Lexington, KY; Chicago, IL; Cleveland, OH; Albany, NY; and Pittsburgh, PA — before moving to Charlottesville to be near her sister. Everywhere she lived, she built lasting friendships and shared her warmth, humor, and deep curiosity about the world.
A lifelong educator, Pam began teaching early in her career and later specialized in English as a Second Language (ESL). She found great joy in helping others find their voice in a new language and culture, and many of her students became lifelong friends.
Passionate about Asian culture, Pam participated in international teacher exchange programs through the University of Pittsburgh and traveled widely to broaden her understanding. Her journeys took her to Mongolia, Vietnam, Japan and, her favorite destination, China. She also traveled to Europe with her sister and cherished the experiences and connections she gathered along the way.
In Pittsburgh, Pam served as president of both the Mount Lebanon Nature Conservancy and the Mount Lebanon PTA, reflecting her commitment to education, community, and the environment. A devoted gardener and birdwatcher, she found peace and purpose in nature. She also enjoyed Tai Chi, studying Chinese language and culture, and attending Sunday Mass at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, where she lived her faith through kindness and compassion.
Pam was preceded in death by her husband, Ken Burrett; parents, Joe Clarke and Frances Pemberton; and her beloved aunt and uncle, Margaret “Brucie” and Robert “Bobby” Pemberton Jr. She is survived by her daughters Nicki McCain and Rebecca Burrett; sons-in-law Dan McCain and Scott DeGraw; sister Pat (Mike) Adelman; and granddaughters Caroline and Evelyn McCain.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Linden House and Sisters Who Care for their devoted and compassionate care, which allowed Pam to live her final years with dignity and laughter.
Pam believed that seeing the world was one of the best ways to learn and appreciate different cultures — a belief she passed on to her daughters, who continue to travel with the same curiosity and openness she inspired.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in Charlottesville, Virginia. She will be buried at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Bowling Green, KY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Albemarle, The Mount Lebanon Nature Conservancy, or the International Rescue Committee.
