Pamela Ann Surprenant, of South Hero, Vt., slipped away peacefully in the early hours of October 12, 2025, at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Raised in Burlington, Vt., she was the oldest of seven children — a role that nurtured her caretaking skills from a young age.
A graduate of Rice Memorial High School, Pamela worked as a licensed practical nurse in her early twenties. She married Michael Carroll, and together they welcomed their son, Ian, in 1966 and daughter, Caitlin Emily, in 1970. The couple separated in 1974, and Pamela spent the next 15 years raising her children on her own. Though diminutive in stature, Pamela possessed an outsized will and unwavering determination to ensure her children’s needs were always met.
Pamela worked in a variety of jobs, including retail and sail-making, before settling into a role as a police dispatcher. She retired in 2004 as a proud member of the South Burlington Police Union.
After 20 years of living in Colchester, she moved to South Hero in 2017. By this time, Michael had returned to the family, and their renewed friendship grew into a sustaining partnership for the final years of their lives. They both loved living so close to beautiful Lake Champlain and thrived in the warm, welcoming community they found in neighbors and local friends. Pamela immersed herself in South Hero life as a volunteer at the South Hero Museum and was an active member of the South Hero Historical Society.
Pamela was a voracious reader and committed naturalist. She rarely lived without a dog by her side. She loved birds, flowers and plants. She was a talented artist and seamstress, making dozens of outfits and quilts for her extended family. She loved impressionist art and had a lifelong interest in Native American history.
Pamela never missed an opportunity to share a kind word with those she met — whether at the farmers market, the grocery store or on a plane ride to Washington, D.C., to visit her daughter. She delighted in meeting new people and hearing their stories.
Michael’s death in July exacerbated her heart condition. Complications following a surgical procedure on October 8 proved too much for her to recover. She passed away gently with family by her side.
She is survived by her son, Ian Carroll, his wife, Tammy, and their children, Savannah (Sam) and Isabella (Izzy); her daughter, Caitlin Oppenheimer, her husband, Chad, and their children Eliza, Adam and Charlotte; and her siblings Barbara, Jack (Lynn), Rick (Kim), Mary, and David (Marion) Surprenant, and their families. In addition to Michael, she was predeceased by her brother Bob and her beloved granddaughter, Addison Carroll.
Her children wish to express deep gratitude for the staff at UVM. The care and kindness showered on our family through the loss of two parents was a gift that kept us afloat through a difficult time.
A celebration of her life will be held next July. Donations in her name may be made to the South Hero Foundation, PO Box 441, South Hero, VT 05486-0441 or to North Country Public Radio.
This article appears in The Tech Issue 2025.
Terri and I are so sorry to hear of Pam’s passing. Mike and I were classmates at St Mikes in the 60s, and had much in common. Terri and Pam were friends from many years ago. We socialized with them, and our kids knew each other. She was a wonderful woman, and we were so lucky to have crossed paths with her in life.
Our condolences to her family and many friends.
Rest easy old friend…
Pamela was a neighbor, friend and mentor. Pamela taught me so much about quilting, cooking and gardening. Her sharing her love of reading with me helped me discover books I never would have chosen but are now lifelong favorites. Fly high my friend, I will miss our Christmas dinner tradition dearly. Peace to your beautiful children and grandchildren, I know how much you loved them all.