Pam DelaBar – In Memorium

September 13, 2026

In Loving Memory of Pam DelaBar

June 29, 1948 – September 8, 2026

On September 8, 2026, the cat fancy lost a legend. Pam DelaBar devoted more than five decades of her life to the world of cats and to the people and organizations who shared her passion. Her journey with The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) began in 1975, when she registered her first CFA cat, a Himalayan (Persian). From those early days, her love for cats grew into a remarkable lifetime of dedication, achievement, leadership, and friendship. Over the years, she bred Siamese, Colorpoint Shorthairs, Oriental Shorthairs, Persians, Singapuras, Maine Coons, Manx, Norwegian Forest Cats and American Curls.

In 1990, Pam became a CFA judge. She served CFA in countless capacities, including Regional Director for the CFA Gulf Shore Region and the European Region, Animal Welfare Chair, Disaster Relief Chair, Director-at-Large, Vice President, and President. With more than 34 years of service on the CFA Board of Directors, her influence helped shape the organization she loved.

Pam led the World Cat Congress as their president for six years, overseeing its greatest period of expansion since its founding. She was deeply committed to preserving the history of cats and served on the Board of Directors for the CFA Foundation, which was established to preserve and display artifacts documenting the history of cats through the ages.

Her accomplishments extended beyond the cat fancy. Pam proudly served 24 years in the United States Army, retiring in 1993 as a Lieutenant Colonel.  She met the love of her life, Satu Hamalainen, in 2009 and moved from the United States to live in Finland in 2011.  She actively continued her involvement with cats and CFA until her death on September 8, 2026.

Pam’s life was defined not simply by titles or accomplishments, but by an extraordinary love for cats, a willingness to serve, and a commitment to the people and communities around her. She leaves behind a legacy woven into generations of breeders, exhibitors, judges, and cat lovers throughout the world.

Her knowledge will be remembered
Her leadership will be honored
Her friendship will be treasured

And her love for cats will live on through all those she inspired.

Pam DelaBar — a life of service, passion, and devotion.
Forever a part of the worldwide cat fancy.

 

Marilee Griswold
President, The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc.