When Pamela Anderson arrived at McCall’s funeral home on Tuesday afternoon, it wasn’t as a celebrity, but as a loving great-niece.
The Ladysmith-born actor joined dozens of family members and friends for the funeral of Eoleia Sarah Zapshala, her late, great Auntie Vie, who Anderson says profoundly influenced her personally and professionally.
Zapshala, who died March 23 at age 88, became famous herself after inspiring Anderson to appear on Dancing With the Stars, as well as through Auntie Vie: A Life of Pickles and Pearls, her biographical cookbook penned with Cathy Converse.
After Anderson publicly acknowledged Auntie Vie as her biggest cheerleader, the flamboyant matriarch, who had danced since age three, was interviewed on shows from eTalk to Access Hollywood.
Wearing sunglasses and a camelhair-like coat, Anderson kept a low profile after arriving without fanfare in a white Cadillac Escalade with a close friend to honour her famously feisty, fashion-conscious and hospitable great-aunt.
“Auntie Vie stole the show with charisma, style and warmth,” said CTV anchor Hudson Mack, one of six speakers at the service who recalled the glamorous, fun-loving character often dubbed Auntie Mame and known for her homemade perogies and pickles and love of oversized hats, pearls and rhinestones.
“She was fabulous and sparkled in every way, just a real go-getter,” recalled great-niece Jasmine Fallock, 21, adding it was great seeing Anderson as just another member of the family. “Everyone loves each other equally, regardless of careers.”
Fallock said her great-aunt, lying in a white casket crowned with pink and white roses, would have approved of the uplifting sendoff punctuated by tears, laughter and trips down memory lane.
“It’s her last chance to be here,” Fallock said. “She didn’t want to miss out on her last party.”
