The well-known Welkom doggy parlour owner Pam Fedder (83) passed away on 7 June, in a hospital in Pretoria.
Fedder was a recognised dog groomer, breeder, and judge in the dog show industry.
She was admitted to hospital five weeks ago and underwent a major surgery and several procedures during this time.
“Although she fought like a lion, her condition slowly deteriorated to a stage on Monday, when it became obvious that she was just too tired to continue any longer,” says Francois Nigrini, her son-in-law.
Pam arrived in Welkom in 1959 where her late husband, Chris, was employed by the mines. In 1968 they opened the first registered doggy parlour in Welkom, Kavancha Doggy Hotel, and soon could be credited with the improved treatment and grooming of mainly dogs and cats. For almost 30 years she attended to the Goldfields’ dogs on a 12-hourly basis.
Since her retirement after Chris’s death, she focused on her hobbies, which included her passion for orchids, fabric painting, copper art, crocheting, knitting, and gardening.
In 2020, just before the first Covid-19 lockdown, she became ill and was moved to Pretoria by her daughter, Vanessa.
Soon thereafter she had a major operation and when discharged from hospital, was looked after by Vanessa and the family.
“When she was strong enough, Pam moved into the Kingswood Retirement Village in Pretoria East. There she and her little Yorkshire Terrier, Me-2, met lots of new friends and settled in quite well. She participated in several activities at the retirement village where little Me-2 was spoilt by everyone in the complex and became so loved and famous,” says Nigrini.
Pam’s passion for people and assistance with the elderly led her to often drive her friends and companions from their village to go shopping for their weekly groceries.
Pam and Chris had three daughters. They are Kathy, Charmaine, and Vanessa, who then added six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren to the family.
She will be sincerely missed by her family and friends, and the Welkom and Pretoria East communities where she resided.
The memorial service will be held today (15/06) at 11:00 at the Chapel at the Kingswood Village, 317 Gay Street, Newlands, Pretoria.
