1952
Pamela
2009
Pamela Joan Raff
January 3, 1952 — November 20, 2009
Pamela Joan Raff, a Boston-based jazz tapper and internationally known solo performer and dance instructor, died early Friday, November 20, 2009 in her home after a courageous battle with cancer. She was the wife of James M. Richards and had lived in Upton for the past four years.
Ms. Raff was born in Oxford, England, a daughter of the late Albert Simpson Raff and Eileen (Archer) Raff of Hilton Head, SC. In a dancing career spanning three decades, she performed throughout the USA, in Europe, and in Asia in venues ranging from concert stage and jazz club to television, radio, and live streaming internet. A recipient of Massachusetts Cultural Council and Boston Center for the Arts choreography awards, Pam was also a nominee for "Jazz Artist of the Year" by the New England Foundation for the Arts, co-creator of "Jazz Youth Project" for the Boston Public Schools, and featured artist on the audio recording "Feet First." Visiting Artist at Mount Holyoke College for 11 years, Ms. Raff also served on the dance faculties of Roger Williams University, Boston University, and Brandeis University Masters in Theater Program.
In addition to her husband and mother, she leaves two children, Lyra Sawzin of Holliston and Samuel Sawzin of Upton; two stepchildren, Louisa and Amory Richards of Brookline; and two sisters, Sandra Condit and Leslie Raff, both of NJ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney St., Boston, MA 02115.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 15 St. Paul Street, Brookline, MA.
Ms. Raff was born in Oxford, England, a daughter of the late Albert Simpson Raff and Eileen (Archer) Raff of Hilton Head, SC. In a dancing career spanning three decades, she performed throughout the USA, in Europe, and in Asia in venues ranging from concert stage and jazz club to television, radio, and live streaming internet. A recipient of Massachusetts Cultural Council and Boston Center for the Arts choreography awards, Pam was also a nominee for "Jazz Artist of the Year" by the New England Foundation for the Arts, co-creator of "Jazz Youth Project" for the Boston Public Schools, and featured artist on the audio recording "Feet First." Visiting Artist at Mount Holyoke College for 11 years, Ms. Raff also served on the dance faculties of Roger Williams University, Boston University, and Brandeis University Masters in Theater Program.
In addition to her husband and mother, she leaves two children, Lyra Sawzin of Holliston and Samuel Sawzin of Upton; two stepchildren, Louisa and Amory Richards of Brookline; and two sisters, Sandra Condit and Leslie Raff, both of NJ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney St., Boston, MA 02115.
Service Details
Memorial service Saturday, December 5, 2009, at 11 a.m. inSt. Paul's Episcopal Church, 15 St. Paul Street, Brookline, MA.
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