The completely renovated pool at the Terraces of Los Gatos was dedicated to the memory of Pam Bancroft, on a windy day last week. A brass plaque was unveiled on the hot tub wall. Many residents and dignitaries attended. Bancroft was the first marketing and sales director at the senior living community, and held this position for 18 years.
Bancroft’s daughter, Royce Bancroft Scherzer, flew in from Florida. At the dedication she spoke saying, “We are deeply touched that this beautifully renovated pool is being dedicated to her memory. Mom devoted a significant part of her life to the Terraces.
“She cared deeply about this community and the people in it. She celebrated its successes, advocated for its future and looked for ways to make life better for the residents. Mom had a special ability to make people feel seen and valued. She loved helping people find home in a community and a place where they could thrive. Even after she retired her commitment to the Terraces continued. She was also a woman of tremendous faith, optimism and resilience, even when life presented challenges. She chose gratitude even when circumstances were difficult.”
(Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan)
Bancroft-Scherzer continued, “It feels especially fitting that this pool is being dedicated in mom’s honor. A pool is a place where people gather. It is a place of laughter, conversation, friendship, exercise, healing and relaxation. It creates opportunities for connection and enjoyment. It is exactly what mom tried to do throughout her life. She brought people together; she built relationships; she helped create community. She wanted people to feel welcome, included and connected. Of course, no dedication can fully capture the impact of a person’s life fully. The true measure of a life is found in the people they touched, the relationships they built and the differences they made in the hearts of others. Our family misses her everyday and today, as we dedicate this pool, I hope we remember not only mom’s contribution to the Terraces, but also the values she lived by: kindness, service, faith, generosity and community. A life well lived leaves a lasting legacy. Thank you for remembering mom, celebrating her and ensuring that she remains a part of this place. We are deeply grateful.”
Other speakers included Monte Sereno’s former mayor and current Councilmember Ken Toren (Bancroft had been mayor of Monte Sereno), dear friends JoDe Smith and Ada also spoke.
Rob Moore, mayor of Los Gatos, added a few words: “It’s always a privilege to be here at the Terraces. The Terraces has long been a most cherished community, offering residents an active, connected and purposeful way of life. It’s a joy to see her (Bancroft’s) legacy preserved in a place where residents gather and thrive for years to come.” Vice Mayor Maria Ristow was also in attendance.
The Terraces Executive Director Bill Penrod said, “Pam was a builder, not just of occupancy, but of relationships, trust and a true sense of belonging.
“Pam had a remarkable gift for connecting people—for helping individuals and families to see that this was not just a place to live, but a place to call home. The culture we cherish today, one of warmth, compassion and connection bears Pam’s unmistakable imprint. She believed deeply in this community and in the people who make it what it is. Her belief was not only professional, it was deeply personal. She valued wellness, vitality and connection, moving her mother here in 2007.”
Following this brief ceremony, Penrod christened the pool, drinks and snacks were offered. Bancroft died last November, after a brief, but courageous, battle with cancer. The overall sentiment there at the pool was that Pam Bancroft enjoyed life and expressed this joie de vivre to all who were lucky enough to have known her. Her memory lives on at this sparkling-blue aquatic area.
A life well lived, that is all almost everyone wants—a life lived in joy, faith, generosity, and courage while engaging with others. Now, of course, aerobic classes in the pool will start up: Everybody in the pool!
