Pamela Joy Schmitz, devoted daughter, loving sister, sweetheart girlfriend, fun-loving aunt, and loyal friend, passed away on October 21st at the age of 52 following a 10-year battle with cancer.
She was born on April 13, 1959 in Great Falls to Fred J. and Beverly J. Schmitz. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Helena where she lived her entire life. She attended May Butler, Jefferson, and HMS before graduating from HHS in 1977.
Pam held a number of jobs which included the State of Montana, operating her own daycare, Smiths in East Helena, and Qwest for 9 years. She finally found her dream job on September 12, 2008 working for the County Attorney’s Office where she worked until mid-October when poor health forced her to leave.
Pam left no stone unturned during her short time on earth, living life to its fullest and enjoying time with friends and family. She was the middle child of five, having two older sisters and two younger brothers. She was the heart and glue of a large group of girlfriends from the 6th grade which saw each other often. Ten years ago, Pam met her best friend and companion, Mike Kelly. She enjoyed camping, fishing, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, and jet skiing. Pam was an excellent cook and could make a 10-course meal for 20 people look like a breeze. She could work circles around everyone, no matter what the task. During her final days, she still had a ‘to do’ list that she was working on.
Pam is survived by her mother, Beverly Schmitz; sister, Debbie Tanna (Pete) of Littleton, CO; sister, Theresa Jo Parker (Bruce) and their children, Winston and Madison; brother, Bob (Kris) and their children Shayla and Shanna; brother, David (Lisa) and their children Tani, Anna, and Alan; boyfriend, Mike Kelly and her ‘group of girls’. Pam was preceded in death by her father, Fred “Smitty” Schmitz and both sets of grandparents.
Following Pam’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, October 25th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Jorgensons Restaurant` . Everyone is invited to attend and share their stories about Pam.
The family suggests memorials be sent to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, 1712 E Custer, Helena; Cancer Center of St. Peter’s Hospital; or the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2047 Broadwater Ste. 2, Billings, MT 59102.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Jane LaMoure says
Dear Mike and everyone in the Schmitz family. I am so saddened by Pam’s passing. We had known each other since Jefferson school and she had a heart of gold. There wasn’t anything she would not do for anyone, anytime. She was the hardest working woman I ever knew. My sincerest sympathy goes out to each and every one of you. She will be dearly missed. Jane LaMoue
JANET SEYMOUR says
I met Pam when I first started working at qwest and I liked her right away…how could you not? She had a ready sense of humor that put you at ease. I admired her integrity, her energetic love of life and her personal strength. Pam is a good person with an open heart.
Jeffrey Pedersen says
Bob:
We were sorry to learn that your sister passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Gob Bless
Jeff and Diane Pedersen
Helena Montana
Mike & Mary Root & Family says
Pam thank you for being our friend…
Every day that we spent with you had been a gift…
The gift of your friendship; your strength; your compassion;
Your smile; your laugh…
you are a gift we will cherish forever.
God take care of our angel.
Love Mike & Mary Root & Family
Todd Burton says
Mike and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Pam was a very special patient to me and I will miss her greatly. The strong will, positive attitude, and pure grit she had will not be forgotten.
Winston Parker says
Thank you Aunt Pam for always being there for your nieces and nephews. You always knew how to brighten the holidays and make them special. I will miss you so much.