Pamela A. (Szymanowski) Gatto

Pamela A. Szymanowski Gatto entered into eternal peace following a courageous battle with lung cancer the morning of October 27, 2026. She faced her diagnosis a year and a half ago with remarkable bravery, strength, and a determination to live life to the fullest during her remaining time here on Earth. Pamela was born May 8, 1963 the daughter of Janet and Edward T. Szymanowski.

Pam was quiet, easygoing, and fun-loving. She loved to read, shop, cook, plant spring flowers, sunbathe, float around Lily Lake with her sister, Carisa, and, of course, dance! She especially loved polka dancing with her father. Together, they would tear up the dance floor with their fancy moves! She also loved gathering with family around a firepit, listening to music alongside her brother-in-law, Jigsaw, and other loved ones.

One of her newer hobbies was bowling, where she met her loving boyfriend of the past three years. Together, they enjoyed many fun dates, including Cubs games, movies, and traveling.

Pam earned the nickname “Bu-bye Girl” from her parents because she could never stay home for too long. She was always ready to go out and enjoy life! She loved dining out and traveling, and she was fortunate to enjoy several memorable trips in recent years, including Hawaii, Key West, South Carolina, Saugatuck, Michigan, and beautiful, rustic Crivitz, Wisconsin, where she caught her very first fish!

Pam’s life revolved around her family. She raised two beautiful children, Emily and Matthew, who have since built families of their own. She shared a very close bond with both of her children, and they were truly the center of her world. She was always there for them, through thick and thin, offering her love and support through life’s many ups and downs. Most of all, she was infinitely proud of them and the kind, caring individuals they had grown up to become.

Recently, Pam became a proud grandmother to one-year-old Frances and three-month-old Lucy. Although she regretted that her physical limitations kept her from being the grandmother she had always hoped to be, her love for her grandbabies knew no bounds. She will forever watch over them from Heaven above with loving eyes.

Throughout Pam’s courageous battle, her mom, Janet, was her rock. For the past year and a half, Janet lovingly cared for Pam, standing by her side and providing endless love, comfort, and support. Her unwavering devotion was a true testament to a mother’s love.

At family gatherings, Pam was famous for her taco dip. The moment she uncovered it, it would disappear in no time! In her honor, we will continue the tradition of making Pam’s taco dip at all our family gatherings for years to come—a little reminder of the love and joy she brought to every occasion.

Pam grew up in Des Plaines, Illinois, and attended Forest View High School. After her parents moved, she graduated from Buffalo Grove High School. She went on to attend beauty school, earning her cosmetology degree. After working in a beauty salon for several years, she decided that career path wasn't for her and transitioned into office administration.

After many years of hard work, Pam finally retired last September. She worked in public administration at Leyden Township, where she developed many friendships and often volunteered at community and charitable events. She enjoyed connecting with others and giving back to her community.

Life brought Pam her share of ups and downs, but the strength she demonstrated through every obstacle became an example to her family. Through her courage and perseverance, she reminded those around her of the importance of loving one another, showing compassion, and remaining strong through lifes struggles.

Above all, Pam will be remembered for her genuine warmth, her kind spirit, and the love she shared with those around her. As we remember Pam, may we carry forward her strength, bravery, and love of life. May we also remember that beautiful smile that brought so much light to those around her.

Pam will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

Pam is survived by her children, Emily (Thomas) Benko and Matthew (Maggie) Bettencourt; grandchildren, Frances Bettencourt and Lucy Benko; mother, Janet Szymanowski; sister, Carisa (Jim) McCarthy; nieces and nephews, Collin (Taylor) McCarthy, Shaelyn (Scott) Corbett, and Morgan (Conor) Morrill; and great nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father, Edward T. Szymanowski.

Family will be receiving guests on Friday, November 6, 2026 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Interment Private.