Pam Scothorn

Pamela "Pam" Scothorn, age 77, of Madison and Kalamazoo, Mich., passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2023. She was born on Jan. 25, 1946, on the West side of Chicago, Ill., the daughter of Bert Vandermar and Doris (Malacek) Small.

Pam graduated from Lyons Township High School in La Grange, Ill., in 1964. Upon graduation, she moved to Michigan to attend Hope College. Pam left Hope before graduating to start a family in Kalamazoo. During the next two decades, she devoted herself to raising her two young daughters, Jennifer and Rachel, and building a career at the Upjohn Company. During that period, she returned to college while working full-time, earning a degree in history and setting an example of determination and achievement for her daughters. Pam was proud to finish her career as an associate director for the Upjohn Company.

Pam was fortunate to have had two great loves in her life. She was married to Leigh Uekert for several years before cancer took Leigh too soon from us. In 1998, Pam was blessed to marry Walter "Bill" Scothorn. Pam and Bill spent many wonderful years together. They enjoyed traveling, collecting various things, and had a shared appreciation of art, culture, and dining out. Pam also loved spending time with her family and friends. Her grandchildren share many wonderful memories working on art and craft projects with their "Grammy." Just a week before her passing, Pam was able to reunite with both her daughters for the first time since the pandemic, a memory Jennifer and Rachel will always hold dear.

Pam had an innate sense of curiosity and an amazing style. She enjoyed making clothing and jewelry and was among her happiest browsing aisles for fashion buttons and fabric. Pam also loved gardening and volunteering, and spent many fulfilling hours engaged in both during her retirement. She had an eye for design in all things, and a lifelong fascination with history. She relished conversations about politics and societal trends.

Pam is survived by her husband Bill; daughters, Jennifer (Dave Mann) Dykema and Rachel (Dan) Kelleher; grandchildren, Chris Mann, Julia Mann, Franklin Kelleher, Grace Kelleher, Hope Kelleher, and Pearl Kelleher; and siblings, Deborah Vandermar and William Vandermar. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A private family service will be held. Memorials may be made to P.E.O. International Program for Continuing Education "Women Helping Women Reach for the Stars" https://donations.peointernational.org/peo-donation-pce.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West