Pam Gladstone
In August, Pam Gladstone, executive director for Congregation Beth El, turns 80. For more than three of her nearly nine decades, congregants, vendors, and visitors to Beth El have been accustomed to Pam’s friendly greeting at the sanctuary’s door or on the phone.
Cherishing relationships—especially with her family and congregants—helps keep Pam motivated and looking forward to her 80th!
Happy Birthday, Pam! And Mazel Tov on reaching this milestone!
Jewish News: Where are you from?
Pam Gladstone: I was born in Richmond, Va. I was married in 1963 and moved to Norfolk in 1966.
JN: Do you have siblings? If so, where are they?
PG: My sister, Sandy, passed away in 2013. My brother, Steve, lives in Delafield, Wisconsin.
JN: You’ve had a successful career at Beth El as the congregation’s executive director. How long have you been there and where did you work previously?
PG: I have served as the executive director of Beth El for 32 years. Prior to that, I worked part time at the Stadler Agency. We handled all types of insurance but specialized in self-funded health insurance plans for large companies. I was responsible for the enrollment and follow up for those companies. During that time and for many years before I joined the agency, I was very involved in Women’s American ORT. I served as president of the Norfolk and Virginia Beach chapters of Women’s American ORT and later became president of the southeast region of ORT.
JN: How many children and grandchildren do you have?
PG: I have two children and three granddaughters.
My daughter, Ann and her husband, Mark, live in Virginia Beach. Their daughter, Carly, is a graduate student at Norfolk State and will receive her master’s degree in social work in May.
My son, Ron and his wife, Robin, also live in Virginia Beach. Ron’s daughters, Amanda and Hilary live in Atlanta, Ga. and Arlington, Va., respectively.
JN: What do you like to do when you are not at Beth El?
PG: I love spending time with my family and find the time to do that as often as I can. I have made many wonderful friends over the years and enjoy spending as much time as I can with them. I also enjoy reading books on my kindle when I can find time.
JN: What is your secret to life?
PG: I was happily married for 56 years. My husband, Arty, passed away in 2019. I am so blessed that my children live in the area. Family is EVERYTHING to me. I have also loved being part of the Beth El family for the past 32 years. I will always cherish the relationships I have with hundreds of congregants. They have become my family, too.
Beth El is my second home!