Pamela Chase

Pamela Kilmer Chase, 75, passed away on October 8th in Orleans following complications of scoliosis. Born in Los Angeles, CA in 1940 to Sally McQueen Kilmer and Donald Northup Kilmer, whose home town was Saratoga Springs, NY. Pam was educated in Saratoga schools, Cours Maintenon of Cannes, St. Agnes School of Albany, Connecticut College, Syracuse University, Boston State College and Katharine Gibbs School.

Pam began her working years as a secretary at Harvard Dental School, then switched gears by teaching first grade in Roxbury, MA and then on Cape Cod. She spent many years employed by the Federated Church of Orleans as secretary-administrator while helping the family run the Corner Country Store in East Harwich and later operating a small bed and breakfast establishment in Orleans.

As a member of the Federated Church, Pam was one of the founding members of the Emmaus House committee and continued until very recently as committee chairperson of this church-owned transitional home for mentally challenged adults. She poured her heart and soul into this project, aware of the importance of rehabilitation for those in need of such housing. Her volunteering on Habitat for Humanity projects also reflected her desire to help others. Another body that received her attention was the church-sponsored AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod where she, for many years, helped plan and prepare meals for people with HIV/AIDS. Pam also shared her talents with the Orleans Human Services Committee.

Pam loved good food, good books, spending time with her family and friends and was a loyal Red Sox fan for decades. She had great fun frequenting yard sales just about every weekend during the summer, her favorite season. Creative, funny and articulate, she was known for her warm smile and deep compassion for people. She was amazingly tenacious, as she fought to remain with her beloved family as long as possible. We would like to thank the staff at The Terraces and Broad Reach Hospice for their wonderful care.

Surviving Pam are her husband, Kenneth Gardner Chase of Orleans, daughter Kristin Chase Klaiber, her son-in-law, Robert Allen Klaiber and granddaughter, Cecelia Isabella Chase Klaiber of Portland, ME. She was predeceased by her brother George McQueen Kilmer, of Marion, Indiana.

There will be a Celebration of Life memorial service at the Federated Church of Orleans at 2pm on Saturday, November 7th. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to The Federated Church of Orleans, P.O. Box 761, East Orleans, MA 02643.

For online condolences, please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com.