Pamela Ida Owen

Pamela Ida Owen, age 59, of Grand Junction, Colorado, passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at HopeWest. Pam was born in Newbury Port, Massachusetts, on January 24, 1965. Her mother and father, Ernest C. Owen and Myrna (Moaratty) Owen preceded her in death. Pam spent the main part of her life as a caregiver, which she enjoyed immensely.

Friends and family are encouraged to share photos and memories of Pam on this site.

A tribute to my friend Pam Owen

January 24, 1965 – November 30, 2024

Bryan Newman

Pam (Pammie) has been a part of my and my wife’s life over the past 4 ½ years. In these years Pam’s life had changed drastically with the death of her “mum-ma”, Myrna and, at the same time, the decline in her own health and the loss of her leg. In the blink of an eye Pam was no longer a caregiver but now, one needing to be cared for. Understandably this was difficult and a struggle for her and provided for many challenges. My and my wife’s walk with Pam was in this chapter of her life. Pam often referred to this as her “journey” and she meant this in a way that allowed her to, as much as possible, journey with grace and a faith in God’s presence and guidance along the way.

I am a hospital chaplain, and I met Pam during her lengthy hospital stay mid-summer of 2020. With covid restrictions there were no visitors allowed and some of you may know how close Pam and Myrna were, being together most of Pam’s life. This separation was hard for both as Pam was a caregiver for her mother. Without going into detail, I was able to meet Myrna and by the time Pam went home, Myrna was on hospice care. Pam asked me to visit her mother in their home, which I did. After Myrna’s death December 11th, 2020 my wife and I took Pam under our wing as a friend. On the first anniversary of Myrna’s death, we had a celebration of life service at the house. For the next two anniversaries we, together, decorated a Christmas tree with special ornaments that reminded us of Myrna. On the 11th day of the month, Pam and I would dust the electric fireplace where Pam had pictures of her mom and dad and other family members along with Myrna’s ashes. Pam, now mostly homebound, was able to connect with her family and her past with these simple rituals. My weekly visits, mostly Sunday afternoon when her caregivers were absent, was a time for us to talk about all kinds of things, some spiritual but often just life and life events. I would offer to pray, and Pam always accepted prayer. Her response nearly always was “thank you, that was beautiful”.

Pam will be remembered by many with her distinct New England accent, her love to shop, and her hospitality even when the means were not there. Pam loved Christmas and to decorate to the max. Pam loved her pets and specifically her companion, Monkey, in this chapter of life. Hats, sunglasses and dressing up, Pam always tried to present her best.

I will miss our conversations and our rituals, but I find my peace in knowing Pam is reunited with her family in heaven. Maybe she will sneak a dance with her daddy, Cubby, while Myrna looks on with great joy and peace.

Pam, may you rest in the full embrace of God’s love and know that you are remembered and loved having left a mark on our hearts.