Pamela Angela Cawley's Obituary
PAMELA ANGELA CAWLEY
July 18, 1934 – Nov. 12, 2025
Pamela Angela (Thwaites) Cawley, 91, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025, in Miami, FL. She was born on July 18, 1934, in Kingston, Jamaica, BWI, to Sydney Fulford Thwaites and Rose Josephine Henriques, and was the younger sister of Sydney Eric “Chummy” Thwaites.
"Pam" graduated from St. Hugh's High School for Girls in Kingston. Following graduation, she lived with her father's family in British Honduras (Belize) for three years before returning to Kingston. There she learned secretarial skills and went to work for Levy Brothers.
When she met Donald Oscar Cawley, a prominent and highly respected farmer – and the "Love" of her life – she decided she was going to marry him! Born a Jewess, Pam converted to Donald’s Catholic religion. They married in October 1956 and moved to Spanish Town, Ja.
They had three children, Michelle, Andrew, and Cathy, whom they loved dearly. Pam was a devoted and loving wife and mother, and Donald, a devoted and loving husband and father who always worked hard for his family.
Pam and Donald were inseparable, and they made a great team. "Donald ran the farm, and I ran the house," Pam always said.
In addition to work, Donald was very involved in several philanthropic causes like chairing and collecting donations for Jaycees International "Nuggets for the Needy Drive," and Pam and their three children always played a role – helping others was a family affair.
Pam and Donald also enjoyed entertaining, including welcoming guests to their home and throwing parties. "They had integrity, class, and honesty, and were devoted to their children and their family," remembers one of their lifelong friends.
They formed a Bird Shooting Club with several family friends: the Rickmans, the Levys, the Dragas, the Watsons, Gordon Brown, family priests, and others. During Jamaica's bird shooting seasons, Pam would cook in shifts for everyone. All were welcomed to partake, and friends sometimes even camped out at the Cawley house! Pam fed them delicious meals like roasted meats with Scotch Bonnet, rice and peas, and Yorkshire Pudding. She made delectable desserts, including her famous homemade apple pies and Jamaican rum puddings. Parish priests were regularly invited to dinner at the Cawley home.
In 1976, Pam and Donald migrated to the U.S. due to political unrest and faced the challenges of starting from scratch in a new country during their midlife. Donald soon opened a plant nursery in Miami with his son, while Pam worked as an executive secretary at Rotocast before leaving that role to care for their grandchildren. Pam also took floral design classes and worked as a florist, proudly receiving many ribbons and awards in Miami competitions.
Pam and Donald were immensely proud of their three children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, celebrating each milestone – from birthdays to graduations – with their family.
When Donald, her only "Love," died of cancer in December 2004, Pam persevered, always loving and praying for her family. She continued creating beautiful floral arrangements and caring for her grandchildren. She only slowed down in her mid-80s as her mobility decreased.
In June 2022, her son, Andrew, and his wife, Dora, took on a more prominent caregiving role. On November 12, 2025, she died peacefully at their home, finally joining Donald, her "Love," in Heaven after 21 years.
"Mommy," "Grandma," we will miss you dearly, but we know you are now in God's arms and the arms of your beloved lifetime "Love," Donald Cawley.
Pam is survived by her children Michelle Cawley Dreseris (Kes), Andrew Cawley (Dora), and Cathy Smith (Derwyn); her grandchildren Lisa Cawley Ruiz (Javier), Adam Dreseris, Marc Cawley (Leysan), Christopher Dreseris (Diana), Richard Smith, Ryan Dreseris (Maria), Lauren Smith, Christa Gomez (Albert), and Brittany Smith; and her great-grandchildren Ava Dreseris, Liana Dreseris, Jack Dreseris, Malik Cawley, Logan Dreseris, and Daniel Gomez.
What’s your fondest memory of Pamela?
What’s a lesson you learned from Pamela?
Share a story where Pamela's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Pamela you’ll never forget.
How did Pamela make you smile?