The purest, and loveliest of women, Pamela Jane Featherstone Hart, went to her Heavenly home on Saturday, October 7, 2023. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, friend, and filled so many other roles. The constant “giver” and “comforter”, she never complained about the nasty disease that took her life. She just kept going and pressing on to the end. While Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor, finally took her life, it did not take her spirit.
From her childhood days, on through her teens, and into adulthood, her energy levels were never ending. One to never sit down for more than five minutes, it was all about taking care of family and friends.
Pam was born in Salt Lake City, UT on May 21, 1943, and she hit the ground running. Her childhood and formative years were spent in the Holladay area, attending William Penn Elementary, Olympus & Evergreen Jr. High’s, and later, Olympus High School, graduating in 1961. She went on to attend Utah State University during the early sixties, until she met her future husband, Jack Hart, in 1964, at Albertson’s Foods where they both worked.
Their first date did not go well, as Jack fell asleep at the drive-in movie, then took her home, let her get out of the car herself, said good night, and left. Wow, a real Casanova, but Pam gave him another chance, and the rest is history.
Pam and Jack were married on January 21, 1965, and moved into a small apartment on 3rd Avenue in Salt Lake City. A short time later they moved to Southern Utah where Jack opened the newly constructed golf course in Cedar City. In the early part of 1967, they moved back to Salt Lake, then built their first home in Cottonwood Heights in 1968. Over the next six years, three children entered their lives, Garrick, Heather, and Mathew.
In 1977 the family moved to the San Diego area, then back to Utah just a year later, where they built another home in Sandy. In 1981 it was time for her to go back and finish her college education, and after three years she graduated with honors from the University of Utah.
She began a career in the Murray School District in the fall of 1983 at River View Jr. High teaching 7th grade. A year later she was asked to handle the Young Mothers Program for the school district, and that became a very beloved time for her over the next few years. She received the “Teacher of the Year” award for the Murray School District while in that position.
In the late 1980’s Pam was asked to be a counselor at Murray High School, and it would necessitate her going back to get a master’s degree. Over a period of two years, she attended night and weekend classes at Brigham Young University and received that degree. She continued her counseling position until 1996 when she moved with her husband to the Chicago, IL area. While there, she was a counselor at Libertyville High School.
Another career move for Jack brought them back to Utah in 1998, where they purchased a home in Draper, UT, Again she found counseling opportunities, first at Brighton High School, then at Alta High, where she retired from in 2011. She always said that her years as a High School Counselor were tailor made for her. It showed, as her students loved her and she loved and cared about them, helping 100’s find their college destinations.
She and Jack served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from 2018-2020 in the Tallahassee and Jacksonville, Florida Missions. Returning home, they looked to find a smaller home, and settled in Highland, UT in the fall of 2020
Pam will always be remembered for her faith and love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and love of family. She enjoyed summer camping in the Uinta’s when their kids were younger, then summers at Newport Beach for many years with family. Pam and Jack were also blessed to have traveled the world together, along with family cruises. She was a special lady in so many ways, and we know that she and the “Ever Ready Bunny” are kindred spirits.
We believe she invented the word “spontaneous”, as planning was secondary to her nature. Never one to sit for long, and always ready to begin a water fight at family outings, although she would always plead innocent.
Pam was faithful in keeping family together, and orchestrated “Birthday Sunday’s” for years. Never one to forget family birthday’s, her famous cards and enclosed, crisp $2 bills were a tradition. She was, and continues to be, kind, compassionate, loving, resilient, energetic, caring and never let the disease get the best of her. Her theme has always been, “we’ll sing in the sunshine, and laugh in the rain.”
She was one to always serve others, bringing a little joy into their lives. She walked almost every day, fed all the dogs that became her friends (Costco treats helped a lot) and never wavered in her testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Her service included many callings in the Church, including Young Women and Relief Society.
She is survived by the joys in her life; her husband, Jack; children Garrick Hart, Heather (Robert) Berets, Mathew (Annalee) Hart, brother Greg (Diana) Featherstone, sister Lori Darrington, sister-in-law Beverly Buchanan, 13 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. Knowing that they will reunite together on the other side of the veil brings assurance to all of us that earthly life is short compared to eternity.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Emma Jane Oliver in 2001, and her father, Jimmie Dee Featherstone in 2022.
Viewing and funeral services are listed below:
Friday, October 13th: Viewing at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT 84092 from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM where friends and family may come to visit.
Saturday, October 14th: Funeral services at Highland Utah West Stake Center, 11605 N 6000 W, Highland, Ut 84003 at 12Noon. There will be a viewing prior to the service from 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Burial will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, UT. Please make any donations to the Humane Society of Utah.
For those unable to attend the service in person, the family invites you to join via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81561869320.
We would like to give heartfelt thanks to her caregivers; Dr. Adam Bevan (Surgeon), Dr Nathan Rich (Oncologist), and Dr. Jay Clark (Radiologist). Without them her length and quality of life over the past 1 ½ years would not have been the same. Gratefully, the Hart Family
Jack & family, so sorry to hear of Pam's passing. May you and yours feel the love and peace from He who created us all at this trying time.
Love ya brother, Ted & Linnita Proctor
I loved your Mom so much. She is the reason I stayed in High School and was able to Graduate! She was a second Mom to me!!
Dear Jack and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. What a beautiful soul Pamela was. I shall always remember her fondly especially when I look to the heavens where she is now a star shining brightly on all of us.
With deep sympathy.
Henriette
I'm deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. My condolences to you Heather.
Pam Hart is a name I will never forget. When I was 16, my family moved from overseas to Sandy, Utah where I entered my Junior year at Alta High School. I struggled greatly with culture shock, language and making friends —as everyone already had well-formed cliques at the school. Pam took me under her wing. I spent countless hours in her office where she comforted me, talked with me and guided me for the next two years. She became my friend and was always willing to talk with me whenever I walked into her office. She wanted so much to help me adjust to the new school. She pulled many strings and waived requirements to help get me into different clubs and organizations in the school so I could make friends. Later in my Senior year, she helped me in the application process for college scholarships and helped me earn one that enabled me to go on to higher education. Pam became a dear friend and mentor to me. She really truly cared about the high school students and knew their names and situations. She remembered my name years after high school graduation—when I saw her again. I will always thank her for the extremely kind and loving influence she had in my life to help me through one of the toughest adjustments I’ve faced. She was and is an angel. You will be missed Pam.
HEY MATT SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR MOM THAT CANCER IS SOME NASTY STUFF MY LITTLE NIECE 25 HAS THAT BUT HERS IS NON AGGRESIVE AND HER TUMOR SHRUNK BUT I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS HOPE YOUR DADS DOING GOOD BUT BE HAPPY TO KNOW SHE IS LOOKING DOWN WATCHING OVER YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SO TAKE CARE IF LIKE TO CHAT OR MEET UP FOR LUNCH LEAVE MESSAGE ON MY FACEBOOK YOUR BEST FRIEND FROM THE PAST JOE !
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your beloved Sister Pam Hart. She was not just a neighbor, but a dear friend to me and Christin, and I will always cherish the warmth and kindness she brought to our neighborhood.
Sister Hart was a remarkable person who touched the lives of everyone around her with her gentle spirit and loving heart. Her generosity and friendliness were unparalleled, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to know her. She was always there with a smile, a helping hand, or a kind word to brighten anyone's day.
I will never forget the countless acts of kindness and friendship that Pam shared with our family. Her presence brought a sense of unity and harmony to our neighborhood, making it a better place for all of us.
I know that words cannot ease the pain of your loss, but please know that I share in your grief and will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. Sister Hart will be greatly missed, but her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched.
If there's anything I can do to help during this difficult time, please do not hesitate to reach out. I am here to provide support and assistance in any way I can.
Once again, my deepest condolences go out to you and your family. May you find strength in the loving memories you shared with Sister Hart.
With sympathy,
Steven and Christin Evans
Jack, and family. My condolences to you all. Pam was such a joy to know and be around. Her infectious smile and demeaner lightened where ever she was and went. May our Father in Heaven comfort you all in your lives each and every day.
Dear Jack,
Howard and I are so sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet wife. There was numerous times that she would just send a sweet note with kind words. She did love and serve everyone.
I can still picture her walking, carrying her little baggie of doggy treats, She was super thoughtful to everyone and everything.
She will be missed. May the Lord be with you and your family and bless you with the comfort and peace that you need at this time.
All our love, the rentals
Jack and Family;
I am so sorry to hear of Pam’s passing. She truly was a lovely person, inside and out. She always carried that bubble of joy and enthusiasm with her and uplifted those around her.Her laughter and thoughtfulness are gifts of love from her that you will always have. With much love.
Pam became my Minister shortly before I lost my dad to cancer. She gave me a beautiful planter that is still growing strong. Every time I look at it, I am reminded of her thoughtfulness. Pam always asked after myself and my mom, even though she was going through her own health trial. I unfortunately never had the chance to truly get to know Pam, but I was always impressed with her positive outlook on life and her continued willingness to serve other people. I will dearly miss her, and send my condolences to her family.
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Pam Hart. She had an adventurous spirit and a kind heart. Our deepest condolences go out to your family.
We remember Pam for her happy, positive countenance. She always brought sunshine into everyone’s life including ours. We are grateful for the many years we were friends and neighbors. We also send our love to Jack (our faithful home teacher) and to Garrick, Heather, and Matt.
Bless you all at this tender time.
What a beautiful tribute to a very beautiful (inside and out) person!! Pam was always so helpful to my children as a school counselor, a church leader or as a nice neighbor. She is a great example of how to live life with a great attitude. Love to her family
Jack, I am so sorry to have missed Pam's funeral. So sorry to hear of her passing. I loved her with all my heart. I still do and so appreciated the friendship of your family. I remember tending the kids for a while when she worked doing flowers and she made me a beautiful center piece for Christmas. She was a beautiful, fun, fun lady.
Bonnie Thomas
801-831-8913