Pamela Kay Oselka

June 9th, 1945 - January 24th, 2020

Pamela's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Pamela here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Oh Pam, dear, dear friend. I will miss you terribly. I savor our rich, rich history—back through the grandchildren, through family weddings, through child-rearing angst and new baby joy. Back to the beginning of our long, long friendship, almost 44 years ago. Right from the get-go you were my role model. I remember a meeting at your house and being filled with gratitude to witness your first-born demonstrating her strong will. You, calm as can be. Ah. This is what children do. It’s good. Just stay calm. I think of your ease and grace with people—all people, rooms full of people. You conversed with ease. You were curious and kind, supportive and concerned. Joyful. Embracing. You were a strong leader. Unruffled. Fearless. Gentle. Welcoming. Decisive. Tactful. Willing to stand front and center. I am eternally grateful to have been your sidekick. You tackled challenges with step-by-step matter-of-factness, undaunted. You rarely met a problem that you could not solve—not by steam-rollering your own resolve, but by inviting and honoring others’ thoughts and ideas. You were a soulmate. We traveled to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, the top of Mexican pyramids and to countless Indiana towns we never knew existed. We explored Paris and DC. We savored museums and walks on the beach. We shared meals and shared beds. We enjoyed reminiscing over the years about so many things. One was late in the year 1982 when each of us declined to speak at an upcoming International La Leche Conference—which is how we discovered we both were expecting one last baby…Kelly and Casey, born four days apart that next August. People often say of someone, “She was such a lovely person.” You will always be the very definition of a lovely person. Kind. Generous. Loving. Positive. Happy. Friendly. Faithful. I hear your joyous laughter and know it will live forever in my heart. We laughed about motherhood. We laughed at predicaments we found ourselves in. We laughed about things silly and serious. We laughed about growing old. Dearest Pam, dearest friend, May you continue to find laughter — and peace, and great love — in this new realm you have entered. As we hold you in our hearts, please hold us in your heavenly embrace. Sue Christensen

Sue Christensen

January 28th, 2020 at 8:24am

Pam and I have been friends since we met at MSU in 1962. We studied together, dieted together, and I introduced her to her husband, Rol. Our families weathered good and bad times together and even though our families grew up and Rol and Pam moved, we always remained friends. She was a compassionate lady who knew what she wanted out off life and lived it well. She will be dearly missed by all that knew her, but especially her husband, children and grandchildren who were her first priority.

Hollis Oselka

January 27th, 2020 at 9:00am

To Rol and Pam's family, I don't recall who wrote this but when I heard the news, I thought of this: To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. May she rest in peace and may your many memories bring you some measure of comfort. Katha