A young Dundee family has been left devastated after “wonderful” mother-of-two Pamela Gibb lost her lengthy battle with breast cancer.
Pamela, 40, described by friends on social media as “a true angel” and “a beautiful, kind soul”, passed away on Tuesday July 5, after her condition deteriorated suddenly.
She had just been allowed home from hospital after her fiance, Ross McLean, was told Pamela’s condition had deteriorated and no further treatment was available at that time.
Pamela passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family.
“She just stopped breathing,” Ross added.
“She was very peaceful. She didn’t want to hear any timelines or anything. Her focus was always on the kids.
“She was very calm, a selfless person who always put others first; her positive attitude amazed me.
“She was, and is still, a true inspiration.
“Everybody loved her.”
Pamela was first diagnosed with breast cancer after discovering a lump in May 2018.
After undergoing both chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as having a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction, she was given the all-clear a year later with doctors telling her they could find no sign of any remaining cancerous tissue.
“We were elated and she said, ‘I’m one of the lucky ones,” Ross, 39, said.
However, after she began experiencing back pain during lockdown in 2021, she was eventually given an MRI scan.
It showed a tumour on her spine that had caused a cracked vertebrae, and also the disease had spread to her liver.
‘Our life wasn’t planned to be like this’
“Obviously it was devastating news but she never complained at all throughout the nightmare scenario, her focus was just on being there for the girls,” Ross said.
“We were planning to get married so I contacted the registrar on the Monday,” he added.
She had been allowed home but tragically Pamela`s condition deteriorated rapidly and she passed away peacefully on the Tuesday evening.
“A lot of people didn’t know what went on with Pamela. We’ve never put anything on social media, Pamela wanted just to keep it under wraps so that’s what we did,” Ross continued.
They had also tried to shield the children, Layla-May, 9, and five-year-old Scarlett from the full details of Pamela’s illness.
However, after Pamela passed so suddenly, Ross felt it was important to sit the girls down and explain what had happened.
“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do but I felt it was important to tell them the truth.
“They were with her when she died and they were able to speak to her and say goodbye,” he added.
‘Pamela was my best friend’
The couple first met while at Harris Academy but they started seeing each other at the end of 2007 and moved into their first home together in the old Dundee Royal Infirmary building two years later.
A move to Dalmahoy Drive saw Layla-May being born and their family was complete when Scarlett arrived after they had bought their current home, in Charleston Drive.
The couple enjoyed many trips abroad to places like Stockholm, Paris and Copenhagen, where Ross popped the question in 2016.
They also visited the likes of Spain, Turkey and toured the West coast of America, basing themselves in Las Vegas.
“We made a point after her diagnosis in 2018 just to go on holiday when we wanted,” Ross said.
She was an inspiration to everyone who knew her…”
Gordon Smith of Dundee University
“We also went to a friend’s lodge on Loch Tay two or three times a year; we spent a lot of time there.
“Pamela was my best friend, we miss her so much; our life wasn’t planned to be like this.”
Pamela worked as a mechanical coordinator at Dundee University, where she was very highly regarded.
Her boss there, Gordon Smith, head of mechanical, said: “Pam joined our directorate in December 2009, quickly gaining respect from all colleagues far and wide before having to retire early through ill health on March 31 2022.
“She was an inspiration to everyone who knew her and a fantastic ambassador for Estates & Campus Services.
“Our thoughts are with her long-term partner and fiancé, Ross, her two wonderful little girls, Layla-May and Scarlett, and all of her family members in this time of bereavement.”
Pamela is also survived by her dedicated parents, Helen and Phillip, who have been an incredible support throughout this difficult time, and her three brothers.
Pamela will be laid to rest on August 5 with a funeral service beforehand at the Apex Hotel at midday.
The service will be purple themed and all friends and family are encouraged to wear something of that colour. Everyone is welcome.
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