Pamela "Nana" Boakye

A Legacy of Love, Laughter, and Family

Celebrating the Life of Pamela Mae Boakye

May 24, 1944 - June 26, 2026

Some people leave behind possessions. Others leave behind memories. Pamela Mae Boakye left behind a legacy.

Born on May 24, 1944, in St. James, Montego Bay, Jamaica, on a sugar estate, Pamela's story began with humble roots. She was the beloved daughter of Alvin Cunningham and Agatha Cummings, and from those beginnings grew a woman whose strength, humor, determination, and unwavering devotion to family would touch generations.

To her first five children, she was affectionately known as "Cindy." To her youngest, she was simply "Mummy." But to the title she cherished most, she answered with unmistakable joy... Nana.

Long before she ever became one, Pamela once overheard children lovingly calling their grandmother "Nana." Something about that name stirred her heart. She knew without any doubt , "When I become a grandmother, that's what I want mine to call me." And All 23 grandchildren and 14 great grand children did.

What began as a simple wish became a family tradition spanning more than four decades. Before long, she wasn't just Nana-she became "Nana Pam," a name spoken with affection and laughter within her Beverly community.

In the 1970s, Pamela courageously left Jamaica for the United States in pursuit of the American dream. Like so many immigrants, she carried little more than hope, determination, and an unwavering belief that tomorrow could be better than today.

She knew Education mattered. In 1986, she very proudly earned her GED, proving that dreams have no expiration date. She continued her education in North shore community college, studying public speaking and participating in Toastmasters, believing that a her story of being a very young mother could change lives. Her heart was especially drawn toward encouraging young women to pursue a better life despite personal mistakes or bad decisions.

Nana's type of advice, when given, was direct and sure to sting.

"Go pick up a book!"

"Watch the friends you keep!"

"Go clean the kitchen!"

"You ah idiot!?"

"Go look wok!"

Those weren't just sayings.

They were life lessons wrapped in her everyday conversation.

She also loved a good belly laugh.

She loved cooking meals, going food shopping at Stop n Shop, and thrifting at Bootstraps .

Although she lived into her eighties, she never quite considered herself "elderly." In fact, she'd much rather spend time with younger people than sit around talking about old age.

Then there was wrestling.

Not casual wrestling.

WWE wrestling.

Pamela was a devoted fan who could confidently tell you about wrestlers from decades past right up to today's superstars. She followed storylines, remembered names, debated matches, and enjoyed every bit of the excitement. Watching wrestling wasn't just entertainment-it was one of the many little joys that made her smile.

She was fiercely loyal to her family.

If anyone wanted to talk about them, they needed to remember one thing:

She could talk about her family...but you couldn't.

That protective love was one of her greatest trademarks. She bragged about every accomplishment, defended those she loved without hesitation because she loved a good fight for the family. she carried enormous pride in watching her family grow across generations.

Those who knew Pamela often described her as feisty, spunky, down-to-earth, and wonderfully authentic. She wasn't interested in pretending to be someone she wasn't. On any given day she would be seen in her powerchair with her full white crown of hair, sunglasses, hot coffee or cup of ice and purse in tow. What you saw was exactly who she was- deep raspy voice, strong personality , sense of humor, and a heart big enough to welcome everyone she loved.

Perhaps one of the sweetest memories her family will forever cherish happened whenever someone simply told her, 

"I love you."

Without missing a beat, and in that unmistakable deep Jamaican accent, she'd answer,

"Love you more."

Pamela's greatest achievement measured in the generations she leaves behind.

Her children.

Her grandchildren.

Her great-grandchildren.

Each carries forward pieces of her strength, humor, and love.

To her grandchildren especially:

Never forget that your Nana loved being your Nana.

It wasn't simply a title.

It was one of the greatest honors of her life.

Tell her stories often.

Laugh loudly.

Protect your family.

Read good books.

Choose your friends wisely.

Keep your kitchen clean.

Never lose your sense of humor.

And remember loved you more.

Though our hearts grieve her absence, gratitude rises higher than our sorrow. We thank God for the extraordinary privilege of having known, loved, and been loved by Nana aka Pamela Mae Boakye.

Her life reminds us that the richest inheritance is not found in what we leave behind, but in the lives we shape, the values we pass on, and the love that continues long after we have departed.

Nana we love you. You will be missed but we understand our assignment...Continue your legacy of love.