After a courageous and hard-fought battle, Pamela Beth Gregoire, 51, was surrounded by loved ones when she took her last breath at Sentara Williamsburg, Regional Medical Center, Virginia on September 1, 2023, at 9:48 PM. Pam (aka Pebbles) was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on December 18, 1971, to parents Irene Rosentreter and Glenn Gregoire. She is survived by her cat, Hunter of Virginia Beach, VA; her mother, Irene Rosentreter of Chesapeake, VA; her brother, Glenn Gregoire, Jr. (Stephen Allan) of San Diego, CA; her sisters, Melissa Gregoire (Chad Cruea and son, Glenn) and Priscilla Gregoire of Virginia Beach, VA; Teresa Snow (Charles) and Regina Kuhnemund of Chesapeake, VA; Brenda Werner of Wilmington, NC; and "honorary sisters," Jennifer Sutton (Timothy) of Virginia Beach, VA; and Renée Hartless (Chris) of Staunton, VA. Additionally, she is represented by her niblings: Jessica Carpenter (Robbie and son, Blair) and Brandon Snow of Virginia Beach, VA; Shawntel Kuhnemund and Autumn Lavender of Moyock, NC; Joshua Kuhnemund of Orlando, FL; Trenton Lavender of Cheasapeake, VA; and Kailee Schwartz of Clearwater, FL.

Pebbles was born in Fort Lauderdale but moved shortly afterwards due to our father's transfer in the USN to Virginia Beach where she was raised. There's no doubt about it, she was her father's daughter…and probably the son he never had <wink>. Pamela loved athletics…basketball, skateboarding, and surfing to name a few. One might say she had a competitive side and she'd let you know it! In addition to sports, she had a creative side. She definitely put the Gregoire's on the map with her genius ideas. Her games brought all the kids to the yard - never a dull moment. Kid Olympics was one of our favorites. And don't get me started on Dungeons & Dragons! Run! LOL Whether we were breakdancing or pretending our boat was sinking, she made growing up fun…as long as she wasn't punishing us in true, big-sis fashion.

After graduating from Green Run High School in 1989, Pam enlisted in the USAF (sorry dad) and served during OPERATION DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM. Independence motivated her to come out, which ultimately ended her career prematurely since the LGBTQ+ community were not allowed to serve openly in the armed services then. Upon her honorable discharge in 1993 from Loring AFB Maine, she came back home to VA. Pam was a trailblazer who broke gender boundaries for equality and inspired others to be true to oneself no matter the consequences.

While in the customer service business for the Marriott, Pamela moved back to Florida for the first time since she was born. She quickly established roots all over the state, and lived in several cities but ended up in Orlando which became her second home. During this time in Florida, she cultivated many life-long friendships and just happened to meet the love of her life in the process, Thatiana Brasil of Brazil. It truly was a match made in heaven…full of love and life. Beijo, their dog, and Hunter, their cat, rounded out the family. FYI, Beijo means kiss in Portuguese. Additionally, she furthered her education and received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering at the University of Central Florida, which landed her a Senior Systems Engineer position at Lockheed Martin.

Tragically, Thatiana was diagnosed with ALS a year after meeting, and their lives changed forever. Where most couples in this situation would crumble, their love grew stronger and more powerful than any love we've seen before. For years, Pam stood by Thati's side and cared for her while this disease slowly and painstakingly took hold of her. They were a cohesive unit…taking ALS head on. They didn't let this disease deter them from happiness and were married in Virginia in April 2014. LOVE WINS! Sadly though, Thati left her body and passed away in October 2018.

Understandably, Pam appeared to have lost her way after the passing of her wife. She turned down a dark path while trying to reinvent herself in St. Louis. She tackled some tough demons in her sobriety and explored a new passion, stand-up comedy. WHY?! It's so hard! LOL I think we can all safely admit now…the earlier sketches were a bit cringeworthy but kudos to her. She never lacked bravery, which is what she would need most in her next battle which started in late 2020.

I don't want to mention the big "C" out of respect for our family and friends. It has taken too many of our family members. Just know she was a true warrior over the last few years - never gave up til the very end when her body quit on her. Her last words were to BE STRONG. Rest easy and in peace big sis - we no longer need your protection. You've left a crack in our hearts, but we'll remain strong. Thank you for all the unconditional love and support over the years. Please give Thati, Keith, Dad, Marjorie and Beijo a big hug from us all. You will forever live on in our hearts.

As-salaam o alaikum

Much Love,

Your Family & Friends

There will be an intimate funeral for family and close friends soon. Please contact siblings for details. A Celebration of Life will take place at Pacifica on Saturday, September 9, 2023, from noon - 4:00 PM. Our family would love for all to feel free to share memories in the comments section of this website.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Pamela to a charity of your choice. Thank you.