Pamela McConnell
August 01, 1958 - March 14, 2014
Obituary
MADISON- Pamela A. McConnell, age 55, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2014, after a courageous 28 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She was born on Aug. 1, 1958, in Sauk City, the daughter of Robert and Sally McConnell. Pamela had a wonderful sense of humor and a kind heart. Despite her disease she always had a welcome smile for all visitors and friends. Pamela is survived by her mother, Sally; siblings, Deborah, Cat (Karen), Kim (Joe), Tim (Michele), Tom (Jennifer), Jim (Kate), Matt (Di), Mary (Rick), Shawn (Myron), Josh (Kate) and Rob (Tracey); and many wonderful uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved father, Robert; her grandparents, Irvin and Lenore Larson and Kenneth and Mary McConnell; and her aunts, Gail Toerpe, Lynn Trinitopoli and Marilyn Genz; and uncle, Calvin Genz. The family is especially thankful for the compassionate care provided by Pamela’s loving friend, Nabila, Care Wisconsin, the staff of Harmony Living Center of Madison and Agrace HospiceCare. Pamela’s final journey was made immeasurably more comfortable with their many helpful hands. Her generous and loving spirit will be missed greatly. A celebration of Pamela’s life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 4 p.m., on Saturday, March 15, 2014, with the Rev. Dr. Kristin Frederich presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 2:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Agrace HospiceCare or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Events
Visitation
Sat Mar 15, 2014 @ 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Service
Sat Mar 15, 2014 @ 4:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
Memories
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Pam
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Ki m McConnell
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To my beautiful sister with her amazing resilience and grace. When I want to talk to you I know you will hear me. Love. Kim
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Dyanne
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This is a message to Pam's family from her friends in California - Dyanne, Freddie Jean, Lea, and Gloria, and her friend from Idaho, Mrs. Bernice Hammerquist. We want to say that we loved her, and she was just the sweetest person and heaven has a great new angel! Her spirit was far larger than her physical self.
From Dyanne - I have 2 saved messages on my phone from Pam in 2011, and I will miss her saying, Hi Dy when I called. Our sincere condolences go to all of the McConnells and relatives.
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Catherine McConnell
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To the world you were Pamela, to us, dearest Pammie. Sharp-witted, but never sharp tongued. Bold, but never overbearing. Funny and ironic, but never bitter. Bright, sometimes luminous, but never overwhelming. Honest and direct, but never cruel. Pammie. You gave us the best you had to offer, always. We will miss you, always... Love Catty
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Shawn McConnell
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To Pamela for the blessing you have been to me and with deepest gratitude for the example of humor and fortitude you have given me. As I remember your smile and your beautiful bluest of eyes, I feel strengthened and supported. Courage siblings, we will never walk alone and Love will be the remaining gift...always. Shawn
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Karen Ludwig
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Pam was one of the sweetest women I have known. I honestly cannot remember her ever saying a harsh word to anyone, though the look she could give those misbehaving was sufficient. Her humor was dry as vermouth, and even I, the jokester, could often not tell if she was pulling my leg. She long resiisted the limitations forced on her by illness, undermining its increasing claim on her body with such comments as, "Give me the keys, I want to drive!" long after she had last taken the wheel. This was always said with a disingenuous smile which dared me to tell her she couldn't. But she never complained. She simply went on as if MS could not take her down. I am so sad that finally the MS claimed her body, though it never claimed her spirit, not to the very end. Travel well sister in law, I will see you on the other side, and this time I will give you my keys.