Pamela Reese Schindler passed away from a brain tumor on the evening of June 11, 2024 at St. Peter’s Hospital while being comforted by her husband Eric.
Pamela was born on April 29, 1954, in Great Falls, Montana, the second of four children of Thomas and Maxine Reese. She spent her formative years in Alberton, Montana where her father Tom was a schoolteacher and her mother Maxine worked for the library. Pamela loved growing up in Alberton and still has many friends from those days.
After graduating from Alberton in 1972, she moved to Missoula where she worked in the finance field. In 1978, Pamela was transferred to Helena. In 1979 she met her husband Eric Schindler when she asked him if he ever got shaving cream stuck in his dimples. They were married in Helena on July 4, 1980 and celebrated 43 years of marriage together.
When Pamela was 12 years old, she suffered a life-threatening illness. Her parents were told she would live a day-to-day existence. She endured many health challenges during her life, and faced them with attitude, dignity, grace and humor. Her spirit and sense of humor were well known among her family and friends. She had an infectious laugh.
In Helena, she worked as the business manager for The Floor Show, KCAP and Helena Cable TV. Pamela stopped working full-time in 1986. In 1988, Eric and Pamela were relocated to Spokane, WA where Eric served as Vice President of Finance for Columbia Paint and Coatings. While in Spokane, Pamela took up tennis with a vengeance and earned the nickname “Pro Shop Pam”. Also while in Spokane, Pamela volunteered as a guardian ad litem where she represented the voice of 32 children in parental termination cases. In 1996, she was one of three finalists for Spokane County Volunteer of the Year.
In 1997, Pamela and Eric relocated to Helena where Eric was named Vice President – Finance for American Chemet Corporation. There she worked nine legislative sessions as Committee Secretary for the House and Senate Judiciary Committees where she was well respected and thrived.
Pamela served on the Board of Directors of Lewis & Clark Humane Society, the Original Governor’s Mansion, and St. Peter’s Health Foundation.
Pamela’s biggest enjoyment was being Auntie Pam or “ATP” to her brothers’ nine nieces and nephews who live in Seattle, New York City, Spokane, Kalispell and Missoula. She loved them wholeheartedly and fully accepted them without judgement. She was always there for them. After the passing of her mother Maxine, Pamela was considered the matriarch of the family.
She is survived by her father, Thomas Reese of Kalispell, and brothers Aaron (Sarah) Reese of Bakersfield, Thomas (Kathryn) Reese of Spokane and David (Therese) Reese of Kalispell. She is also survived by her stepdaughter Sheryl Lyn (Jimmy) Jandreau of Ashland, Maine. Her brothers’ children survive her and include Ken, Morgan, Chandler, Kate, Laura, Aaron, Hanna, Garrison and Jackson. They will serve as her pall bearers. She is also survived by Eric’s sister Karen and his nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank St Peter’s Health hospice staff, Dr. Andrew Gilbert, Dr. Robert LaClair, Dr. Shelly Harkins and St. Peters Health Foundation staff, including Executive Vice President Stephen Mason.
In lieu of flowers please contribute to St. Peter’s Health Foundation.
A 4-6 pm wake will be held on Tuesday, June 18 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A noon funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday June 19 at St. Helena Cathedral followed by a reception at Green Meadow Country Club.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 18, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 19, 2024
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday June 19, 2024
Green Meadow Country Club
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 18, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 19, 2024
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday June 19, 2024
Green Meadow Country Club
Helena, Montana 59601
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Susan Stanaway says
So many wonderful memories shared with this lovely dear friend. We will miss you Pammy! Sue and Fred
Merida Stover says
Pamela, my twin from another life. I am a forever changed and better person for loving and being loved by you. I look forward to seeing you again.
Beda says
Your smile, your giggle, your lovely self will be missed. Thank you for sharing so many years with me.
Linda Merriman says
Pamma Montana! It’s hard to imagine a world without your laugh, love, and “adventures”!! My world will be more than a bit gray without your friendship and grace. I will see you again, my friend.
Ann Ripley says
Pam was a wonderful friend for many years. She had a heart of gold and an amazingly fun personality. I will miss her.
Jackson Reese says
When I was a young kid, during a weekend at Aunties house in Helena, I made a little collection of rocks and coins on the second story balcony. Rather than sweeping it up, she left it there, and it remains there today. It may seem small, but this little act has stuck with me forever, and I think it shows a part of who she was. She cared deeply for the ones around her. I will always strive to make her proud by doing the same. I love you Auntie Pam❤️
AMY BUDKE says
Oh Pam. What a remarkable being. She always walked on the sunny side with her giggling, feistiness, wisdom, generosity, and incredibly positive outlook. And Eric. What an amazing partner and caregiver you have been. You ushered her to the finish line with grace and love. I wish you peace.
Dee Turner says
So many friends and loving relationships our remarkable Pam had. Her positive and optimistic energy is flowing in the universe now and will never leave us. We really loved that girl! Peace and love to her beloved Eric and family.
Dee Turner and Skip Culver
Retta Fasbender says
Retski Fasbender,, I will miss hearing you say the special name you called me. You brought great joy to my life through you humor, positive attitude, and happy nature. Always was fun spending time with you and Eric. Griz lost a huge fan! Great memories will keep you ever present!!
Brad Krall says
Eric;
My condolences and prayers. I have found memories of my visits to the Reese family in Alberton during my time at the University. Pam was such a cheerful and positive person even as a child and such a courageous
women. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Brad krall
Liz Mogstad says
Eric, I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers your way. Pam sounds like an amazing person.
Liz
Bill & Judy Coddington says
Thank you Pam for the miles of smiles you shared with us.
Gary Bowman says
Eric, so sorry to learn of Pam’s passing . Griz games will not be the same without her over my left shoulder. I am so sad to miss this service because she meant so much to me. Coming to Alberton for my senior year was a bit daunting but she opened up immediately to me and within a week we were talking on the phone after school like we had known each other our entire lives. I will never forget her kindness and fun she brought just when I needed it most. She was an infectious person, and someone that would pickup right where we left off if some time went by between visits. She was a beautiful person with the spirit and heart of an angel. Rest in peace my wonderful friend.
Lisa Seter says
I loved visiting with Pam and her family when they lived in Alberton, she always made a visit fun. Her smile and laugh were infectious. I haven’t seen Pam in a long time but I have fond memories of her. I miss her.
Carl O'Loughlin says
When I saw you at Big Dipper the other day I had no idea the pain you were probably feeling at that moment. My condolences for your loss. Sounds like she was a hell of a person.
Charlene and Kim Kallestad says
We know Pam and Eric as exquisite neighbors and a remarkable team. Pam was a beautiful extraordinary friend, rescuer of animals, (and humans) intellectual reader of heavy books, Pilates encourager, master maker of almond roca at Christmas, kindness personified and humble beyond words. An angel on earth for certain. Tennyson wrote, “I am a part of all that I have met.” All who met Pam are forever blessed. Thank you for your courage and love, Pam. Godspeed.
Connie & Lee Emetti says
Eric
Our thoughts are with you and prayers at this very hard time. I have prayed for her every night and now she is with our God. She was a delightful lady and I know she will be missed very much. May our Lord comfort you.
Terri Nettles says
My dear friend Pam, I will miss you deeply. I feel like a part of me is missing in your loss. Friends since 1st grade, life won’t be the same without you. Eric, my deepest condolences. Thank you for taking such good care of her, and giving her an amazing life.
Susan Near says
Pam was an enthuiastic volunteer for the Montana Historical Society while I was on staff there. We always had fun when Pam came in! We immediately had a close bond, and later found we shared the same birth date and year. I’ll always have find memories of my “twin sister.” Sincere condolences.
Debbie and Dave Olson says
Pam was a remarkable woman, she was always so fun and positive, never complaining about the many health challenges she faced. Pam had such fortitude, an inspiration to me. She was such a joy to visit with. I feel blessed to have called her my friend. She will be missed by so many people. Should we all leave such a legacy. Eric, our deepest sympathy for this great loss.
Pat and Colleen McCutcheon says
Pam was a beautiful lady with an unforgettable smile and contagious laugh that was always present.
She will truly be missed.
Bruce and Pam Mihelish says
Eric, Your deep devotion and love for Pam was no secret. We also know her strength was your rock and inspiration. It was a great love story. Deepest sympathies old friend.
Brian and Jean Peacock says
Eric, we are truly sorry for your loss of Pam. We are sure you will keep all your memories of her in your heart forever.
Blessings !
Brian and Jean Peacock
Boah says
Pam,
My warm, kind and funny friend.. it was so great to meet you in this life. Thank you for always reaching out to me and it was always great to see you and chat with you. I was going to make you another batch of Bulgogi that you liked but I didn’t get to do that. I still hear your giggles and still see your smile and laugh. Thank you for appearing in my life and made a meaningful connection with me. I will miss you.
Jerry Loendorf says
-Eric, my deepest sympathy, thouights and prayers.
Frank & Karen Shepard says
Eric, so sorry to hear of Pam, she was a lovely women and will be missed. I loved her spirit at the Griz Games. She was a spunky women that I will miss and never forget. Bless you and your family.
Shelley Olson says
What a gift from God when Pam walked into my life. She was classy and sassy, so serious at times but always flipped it to funny. She lit up a room when she entered, and she was so interested in others so as not to shine the spotlight on herself. Her causeless joy, world-class problem solving, boundless energy and precious giggle enhanced my life and inspired me. I hung on every word she spoke. Eric, your example of dedication and pure love is honored. I’m praying for your comfort and peace.
Tim O'Brien says
Oh my dear friend Pam, you put so many smiles on my face while we worked together on many St.Peters Galas together. You were always my favorite taster when it came to deciding on what we would serve for that years Gala dinner and appetizers. We had great laughs in my little tasting room. I also remember the big hug she would give me after we fed 500 guests successfully. She was such a kind person. I will miss you Pam!! xoxo
Vic Tronti says
Eric,
We haven’t been in touch very often since our Vietnam days but you’ve always been in my thoughts. So sorry to hear about your loss. Not much else can be said. You married Pam in 1980. Same year Rhonda and I married. I can only imagine the loss you’re feeling right now. Take care , buddy.
Vic Tronti
Cj says
My deepest condolences to Pam’s loved ones! I think I worked every legislation that Pam worked!! She was a wonderful committee secretary! We had some great times!! God bless!!