Pamela Bedford Whitaker

The world just got a little dimmer, but the heavens gained one unforgettable sparkle. On May 11th, 2025, Pam Bedford Whitaker left us for the big party in the sky — and you better believe she’s already made friends with the angels, planned a coffee talk, and organized a fundraiser for a good cause up there.

Pam was 78 years young — and truly, she never stopped radiating joy, curiosity, and warmth. She was one of those rare people who lit up a room simply by walking into it. With a smile that could melt glaciers and a laugh that made you forget your troubles, she made everyone feel like the most important person in the room — because to her, you were. She had that magical gift of presence, of heart, and of always knowing the right thing to say.

Pam’s life was a masterclass in generosity. She gave her time, her energy, and her love freely — volunteering with more organizations than we can count over the years, and somehow still managing to make calls, send birthday cards, handwritten notes, and thoughtful texts to friends from every chapter of her life, going all the way back to high school.

One story Pam especially loved to share was from her time working at the San Diego Zoo — where she had a special connection with a cheetah named Carew. Her eyes would light up when she talked about that experience, and anyone who heard her tell it could feel just how much it meant to her.

She was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside, and everyone loved Pam — because it was simply impossible not to.

She is survived by the love of her life and guiding light, Joe, her devoted husband of almost 60 years. Their children, Sarah Thorsteinson and James Whitaker, along with their spouses, Erik and Colie, carry on Pam’s legacy of warmth, kindness, and humor. Her four grandchildren — Miles, Xander, Keira, and Scarlett — will miss their grandma's big hugs, FaceTime calls almost daily, and her unshakable belief that they were each destined for greatness. And let’s not forget Huxley, her beloved poodle and ever-faithful sidekick, who is probably still wondering where the treat lady went.

Memorial arrangements are forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, 1000 Shumway Avenue, Faribault, Minnesota (or online at https://www.s-sm.org/support-ssm) — the place where Pam and Joe famously met as teenagers, when she was 13 and he was 16, and a lifelong love story began.