Pamela Farrington Clayson, age 89, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Born July 23, 1936, in Boston, Massachusetts, she was the beloved daughter of Donald H. Farrington and Pamela O. Farrington.
Pam grew up in Newton, spending summers with her beloved maternal grandparents in Pittsfield, where she formed cherished memories and eventually met the love of her life, Davis “Barr” Clayson, whom she married in 1958. Barr predeceased her on June 22, 2008. Together, they built a beautiful family and shared a lifetime of adventure, traveling the world together.
Pam was a proud graduate of Dana Hall School (1954) and Vassar College (1958). A competitive figure skater in her youth and a member of the Figure Skating Club of Boston, she delighted in the sport early in her life and competed in the famed 1950 Ice Chips show.
Pam and Barr raised their family of three children in Wellesley and Weston, Massachusetts, where they made their home from 1969 until Barr’s passing in 2008. Naples, Florida was where they both called home in their later years, and where Pam was a longstanding member of Grey Oaks Country Club, enjoying her many friends, golf, bridge, and long walks with her loyal dachshunds, Honey and Summer.
A French-trained cook, Pam was happiest creating warm, welcoming gatherings for those she loved. She cherished any place her children happened to be, building traditions and memories that spanned generations. Nothing mattered more to her than family, and she poured her heart into raising her children, celebrating her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and staying closely connected to those she loved.
Pam is survived by her three children: Jenny C. Rapp (Kent) of St. Louis, MO, Davis B. Clayson Jr. (Jennifer) of Dedham, MA, and Wendy C. Harris (Stephen) of Sherborn, MA. “Mimi,” as she was lovingly known, leaves behind eight grandchildren — Alex, Andrew, Anna Mary, Christina, Graham, Charlotte, George, and Coco — and seven great-grandchildren, who brought endless joy to her life. She is also survived by her brother, Stephen H. Farrington of Naples, FL.
She will be remembered for her grace, strength, adventurous spirit, faith, and unwavering devotion to her family.
A private family service to celebrate Pam’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Dana Hall School (www.danahall.org) or to a charity of your choice in her memory.