My mother, Pam, passed away this past Wednesday morning. She fought for over three long years after she was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer over Labor Day weekend 2005. Her fight came to an end on September 17, 2008. It’s a testament to her strength and will to live that she surpassed every expectation doctors had for her survival.
Even though she did not get to spend as much time with her grandchildren as she wanted to, I know that she loved them with all of her heart and more than anything. She was a wonderful mother and made me the man that I am today. I hope I make her as proud as she made me.
The twins didn’t get to spend enough time with Grandma, but they have great memories of the times they did share with her. Both still talk about “Grandma’s Beach House,” which was really a condo where we stayed for only one night in Ocean City with her back in May. It was their first beach trip, and it made quite an impression on them. They drive their couch pillow cars there, push their strollers there, and even occasionally ask with a hopeful tone if that’s where we are going when we get in the van. It’s a shame there won’t be any new memories to be made, but we will make sure the kids know her through stories and pictures as they get older.
She will be dearly missed by everybody and will be in my thoughts every day.
We’ll miss you grandma!
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In an effort to keep friends and family informed about details regarding a memorial service, I have setup a page on this site where I will post all of that information. Please check back there if you have any questions regarding a memorial service, any donations, etc.
http://www.kitchenfamily.org/pam
September 19th, 2008 at 8:18 am
I’m so sorry.
September 19th, 2008 at 9:22 am
Im so sorry Don. You and your family are in our thoughts.
September 19th, 2008 at 9:25 am
I will always have very fond memories of Pam and the impact she had on my life. Donald I’m sure you already know but your mom was very proud of you as her son and as the man you came to be. She will never be forgotten.
September 19th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Donald, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I spent most of my life with Pam and loved her like a mom. After leaving T&C, I have enjoyed watching your family grow and keeping intouch with Pam by email. It was like we never lost time. Pam was a very strong and loving person and I will truly miss her. Pam and your family will always have a special place in my heart. I hope you don’t mind that I share the website with the rest of her T&C family. God Bless
September 22nd, 2008 at 7:39 am
Don, Im so so so sorry.
I wished I knew the words to use that would make this all easier, but I don’t. I know that losing Pam will make many hearts ache. Pam was a very special person. She will truly be missed. God Bless you and your family. Our thoughts are with you.
Sharon & Rock
(T&C Family)
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:49 am
Don and family,
I worked with your Mom at T&C for many, many years, through goood times and bad. I can remember when you were “little”, if that tells you how long our relationship was. I know that she was so very proud of you and the person that you became, as an adult, of the “girl” you married, and of the grandchildren. We had a lot of talks and laughs over the years – she and I talked of leaving T&C to do something unique . . . she wanted to have her own Weenie Restaurant, with red & white checkered tablecloths, old-fashioned mustard & ketchup containers, and every kind of weenie you could imagine. When things got hectic or untolerable at work, we would laugh and laugh about the “weenie place”, among other things. I loved her very much. She was a very special person, as I am sure you know, with many special gifts, and will be missed terribly. I hope that she is resting in peace, after her long struggle, and that you and your family know how many people’s lives that your Mom touched in such a postive manor. Take care and God bless!!
September 22nd, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Pam was a wonderful woman filled with spirit. Even during the most serious of times she could enjoy a little humor and I remember best her sense of humor, her pride in you Donald, and the light she brought to any room in which she entered. I heard she was ill from Kim Gallagher. All of us who knew her are a bit better having known her and lucky to have shared some time together. I hope you and your family know she will be right with you in spirit always.
September 22nd, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Don & Family,
I too am a T & C employee. I didn’t know Pam as long as all of the others, but I did learn fast,how much she loved her family & how proud she was of you.
I send my deepest sympathy’s to you & the family, Pam will truely be missed.
I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer not long after Pam was
diagnosed with her Cancer. She was an inspiration to me with her strength and courage. I’m still involved with Maryland’s Cancer foundation. And I will now always light a candle in Pam’s memory at the fund raisers I attend.
You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Marsha
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Don and Family,
I knew PAM for a short time as a co-worker at Jack Morton. She always had a big smile and a refreshing skip in her step. As a woman, I admire Pam for her courage, strength, sense of humor and her love of life. Her spirit was something to inspire to. My thoughts prayers are with you and your family.
September 23rd, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Pam has placed life long impressions in my heart and memories. Her encouraging spirit, awesome smile, and kind words were always a silver lining for me. Her sense of humor and love for her family and friends was endless. Pam was an absolute joy.
Thoughts and prayers from my family to yours.
-Laura
September 25th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Donald,
I worked with Pam for 5 years at Town & Country and actually brought her to Jack Morton after TCT was dissolved (because I loved her so much, I needed to be able to still see her every day!) Pam and I enjoyed a great friendship and thoughts of her will remain with me forever because she was such an inexplicably amazing and inspiring person. My favorite Pam story (and the one which really defines her in my heart) actually involves you. She told me that when you were a little boy and she was a single mom struggling to make ends meet, she purposely wrote a bad check just so that she could buy a ball and two baseball gloves. This was so that the two of you could play catch because, in Pam’s mind, it was simply a requirement that a little boy have someone to play catch with. I love this story for so many reasons. First, I just imagine that Pam conducted said “catch” while wearing impractical but highly stylish shoes and maintaining perfect hair and make-up. Also, I can imagine how paranoid she must have been submitting that check that she knew was no good (I didn’t know Pam to have much of a poker face). Seriously, though, I love this story because I think it is really telling as to how much she loved you and wanted to give you everything in the world, regardless of what that entailed, and there was simply no stopping her in this regard.
Based on the sadness I feel, I can only imagine the heartbreak that you and your family are experiencing at this moment. I plan to take refuge in all the wonderfully silly and fun and happy memories I have of her and the thought that she is now in a place where she will be beautiful, healthy and happy forever. I hope that some consolidation may be provided to you, and all who loved Pam, in doing the same. Take care.
Nicole Stambaugh
September 25th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Don & Family,
I never met you but I worked for T&C and spoke with your Mom just about every day. She was the light of the home office. You always heard a smile in her voice when she answered the phone and made you smile because of it. She was one of the sweetest and kindest people I’ve ever met. She will truly be missed and is now lighting up the heavens with her smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rose Robinson