Pamela J Dobson

Gray, ME- Pamela Jean Dobson, who would have turned 81 on June 13th, passed away on June 2, 2025, at Pinnacle Health Care, South Portland, ME, with loved ones at her side. Pam was born in 1944 in Portland, Maine, daughter of the late Everett and Laura (Maxell) Dobson. She was predeceased by her parents, two brothers Richard (and Dorothy) Dobson of Falmouth and North Fort Myer’s FL, and Ronald (and Shirley) Dobson of Riverside CA and Port Charlotte, FL, and many treasured relatives and friends. Pam was also predeceased by husbands Gerald “Jerry” Whalen and Hermel “Mitch” Michaud.

Pam’s favorite memories from childhood were summers spent in Rangeley, Maine, which has remained one of her favorite places to visit, while her dad was a chef at the famous Barber Camps. She cherished spending time with her brothers there and the simple pleasures of playing and working the farm together. Pam also had fond memories of her early years at the family “camp,” on Sebago Lake … days filled with sunshine, water play, and various shenanigans with cousins and besties. A huge part of her world was helping to care for her growing clan of nieces and nephews, creating rich family memories and traditions.

Pam grew up in Falmouth, ME and graduated from Falmouth HS in 1962. She completed post-graduate business support programs at local vocational schools and Plus-Gray’s School of Business. While raising her children she worked in medical offices, ultimately spending 17 years in the Human Resources Dept. of Maine Medical Center.

Over the years, Pam generously supported many causes. Most notably, she volunteered over 700 hours at Maine Medical Center and served in several capacities on various church committees. Pam was a proud member of the South Portland Church of the Nazarene. Particularly dear to her heart were the needs of Portland’s unhoused population, and she annually donated winter supplies to Preble St. Resource Center.

Pam’s biggest joy was being a mom to her two children, Toby Scott Utterstrom and Sue Ellen Utterstrom. She raised her family in both Falmouth and Gray-New Gloucester. Sadly, Toby passed away in 2001. Pam spent the last 14 years of her life in Port Charlotte, FL, with her partner Philip Rhoderick, and moved back to Gray, ME a few months ago to be near family.

Pam will be missed dearly and lovingly remembered by daughter Sue Ellen Utterstrom and her husband John Warden, Jr. of Gray; sister-in-spirit niece Kathleen Dobson of Raymond and Marco Island, FL and her son Andrew Dobson of Raymond; partner, Phil Roderick Jr. of Portland and his son Gregory; grandson, Paul Utterstrom of St. Petersburg, FL; brother and wife Sidney & Carolyn Dobson of Lisbon Falls; “adopted son” Al French of New Gloucester and his daughters Noli and Jasmine; cousins, Howard Lindsay, Jr. of Portland and Carolyn (Ken) Henderson of Holliston, MA; and her close friends, Laura Casparius and Donna Gagne. Nieces and nephews surviving Pam are the ever-loving Cynthia (Neil) Shankman of Topsham, and Deborah (Dwight) Pensiero of Lisbon Falls, Jeffrey (Cecelia) Dobson of New Gloucester, Philip (Laneda) Dobson of Cumberland, Gary (Andrea) Dobson of Falmouth, and the late Steven Dobson, wife Carol, of Riverside, CA.

Also mourning Pam’s loss is her step-family, Tim and Julie Michaud of Casco, and grandchildren Joshua Knights, Jason Knights, Timothy Michaud, Cory Michaud, Ashley Lorrain, and their families. Pam’s survivors also include Albert (Sandy) Utterstrom of Falmouth and many dear great-nieces and nephews, cousins and friends … and fur-babies Finn and Cooper.

Events celebrating Pam’s life will be held on her birthday, Friday June 13th at Jones-Rich-Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St, Portland, ME, 04103, where a visitation shall be held from 10-11 am followed by a memorial service at 11 am. A light luncheon will follow. The burial will be at Gray Village Cemetery, Gray ME at a later date.

Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to sign Pam’s online guest book.