On January 29th, our dear friend and MVA client, Pam Anderson, peacefully passed away, surrounded by family, friends, and her caring staff.   She will be remembered as a kind and gentle spirit who taught us much about the way to live, with love and attention to each other.

Pam was born in Iowa and moved as a young child to Washington State, where her father worked for Boeing.  In 1992, Pam moved to McMinnville to be closer to her brother and his family. She worked for many years as a Certified Nursing Assistant, and later was employed as a greeter at Walmart. She was active in her church choir, and enjoyed being part of our local community.

Pam joined the MVA family in December of 2013, through our Supported Living Program (SLP). This program helps people living in their own home with supports for daily living, including grocery shopping, banking, activities planning and medical appointments.  By October of 2016, Pam needed more supports from MVA, and decided to move into one of our group homes in McMinnville. Pam taught us all what caring and empowering others looks like, and how to put the needs of others before our own. Pam’s housemates knew they could count on her for an encouraging word, a smile, a sense of belonging, and so much more.

Attending her memorial service gave us the opportunity to hear more stories that reconfirmed what we knew about Pam, her character, and her passion for others.

We learned that when she traveled to Africa, her family was concerned about the culture shock of visiting a third-world country. They didn’t know how she would react to the different environment.  Once Pam arrived, though, she showed everyone that Pam was Pam wherever she went. She greeted and interacted with everyone she encountered in the African village just the same as if she had been walking downtown 3rd St in McMinnville, Oregon. Even when there was a language barrier!

We also heard a story about Pam riding the subway in Washington DC, and how, when riding the subway, there seemed to be several unspoken rules: enter, find a place to sit or stand, avoid eye contact at all costs, and keep to yourself. These were conflicting rules for someone who had a heart for people and never knew a stranger. Pam greeted everyone and looked for opportunities to engage in conversation. Her smiles and greetings were not always reciprocated. However, Pam was not discouraged! Every person was a new opportunity to try again to make a positive connection.

Thank you, Pam, for your big heart and for caring so deeply for others. You will be missed by your family and friends, including your MVA family, and you will remain in our hearts forever.