Pamela Ann Growe

Pamela Ann Growe, 65, of Roeland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2024, surrounded by close family and love. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 1, at St. Agnes Catholic Parish, 5250 Mission Rd., Roeland Park, Kansas. A visitation will be held on February 29, 2024, from 5–7 p.m. with guest speakers sharing special words to begin at 6:15pm with a Rosary immediately following.

Born May 30, 1958, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Pam lived in Kansas City for nearly 60 years, attending St. Agnes Parish School and Bishop Miege High School, then completing years of study at Pittsburg State University and Johnson County Community College.

As a child, Pam was very shy, but her friends knew her to be loyal with a keen and sharp sense of humor. She spent much of her time following around and looking up to her big sister, Laura. She was very active with hobbies, including watersports, piano, and cheerleading. Her family spent nearly every weekend at the lake, where she perfected her waterskiing and was everyone’s favorite boat driver. Famous for her snack-making, she hated peas until the day she left us.

Pam was devoted to her family throughout her life. After working tirelessly as a single mom to provide for her daughters as they grew, she went on to live with her father to help him in his later years. She hosted many celebratory family gatherings and was always the life of the party and a constant source of joy for those who were lucky enough to gather with her.

Pam worked hard. As a young woman, she began a career in telecommunications that lasted more than 30 years. As an implementation engineer, she spearheaded a work-from-home culture to be present as Mom, too. Working for MCI Telecommunications for much of that time, she was surrounded by coworkers who became lifelong friends. This was evident by the surprise 50th birthday party her friends held for her -- a celebration and tribute to the fun person and dear friend she always was -- attended by so many of her longtime coworkers, friends and family. Later, she jumpstarted new careers in sales and logistics for biomedical services and was recognized by coworkers for her problem-solving, sense of humor, kindness, encouragement and the joy she brought to them every day.

In the community, she supported KC Spirit Fest, the March of Dimes and United Way throughout the years.

She was a collector of special, sentimental things. Often displaying meaningful gifts instead of using them and storing old cards, notes, and ticket stubs. The meaning of these things was much more important to her than the cost.

Pam had a way with words that made people feel seen, heard, and hopeful. She had an understanding and appreciation of the human condition that allowed her to help with others’ challenges while affording her the grace and resilience to treat her own challenges not as stumbling blocks but stepping stones. She always knew what to say to make someone feel good and confident in themselves, to soothe a troubled mind, or to ignite hope. She was as beautiful as she was complex, had a gift for positive and unique perspectives, and showed her strength in the face of adversity. Her presence was like a warm embrace -- a safe haven where one could find solace, comfort and peace.

In her later years, Pam looked forward to spending more time with “her girls” and their families, being at birthday parties, and watching her grandchildren grow.

She was strong, silly, vivacious, supportive, genuine, and loving. Pam was an exceptional mother, sister, daughter, aunt, coworker, friend, and beloved “Pamaw” to her grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughters, Kaylan (Blair) Gisi and Caprice (Chase) Watkins; her grandchildren, Morelia, Connell, Piper, and Walker; her father, Theodore Growe; her siblings, Laura (Tom) Wheaton, Ted (Sue) Growe, and Kent (LuAnn) Growe; and more extended family members who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her mother, Norma Jean “Candy” Growe.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the March of Dimes.