Pamela Albright

Pamela Leonard Albright, born to Donald Wesley Leonard and Betty Joe Wilson-Leonard in Mesa, AZ, on December 23, 1945, was the eldest sister to brother, “Butch” (Donald Wesley Leonard II), and baby sister, “Penny” (Dr. Penelope Leonard Baker).

Pamela took her eldest sister role very seriously, especially when their mother became ill with Polio.

The three siblings remained very close throughout Pamela’s life, often communicating multiple times a day.

The family moved to the west side of town and all three children graduated from Tolleson Union High School. Pamela enjoyed school and was involved in clubs and the school paper. She made lifelong friends and met Lecil Thomas Albright whom she married after graduation, in 1964. Pamela and Lecil had one child, Amy, in 1971.

Pamela worked as a beautician until her Rheumatoid Arthritis caused her to transition to a full-time homemaker and mother. She enjoyed these roles. She was a proud of Lecil, who served as a city councilmember and mayor, while running Tolleson Steel for 40 years. Pamela learned a lot about cars, horses, guns, and everything Lecil loved.

She also had her own hobbies and passions. She enjoyed her friends, church activities, and travel.

Pamela loved to help others. You could often find her behind the wheel of her van, driving someone somewhere. Pamela took care of her parents in their final years, then took care of her in-laws at the end of their life.

Pamela really enjoyed being a second mom to Amy’s friends. She drove them to shopping malls, movies, dances, competitions, work, and school (including some college classes).

Pamela had two beautiful granddaughters to brighten her world along with three darling nephews (from her beloved niece Tiffany). Unfortunately, during this time, Lecil, the love of her life suddenly died, in late April of 2003.

Pamela continued to travel and stay busy on her own or with friends and family. She spent time in Flagstaff with her dog, Baby, then alongside her sister, Penny.

Pamela’s granddaughters had five great grandbabies whom she loved to interact with and call to tell them goodnight after losing her eyesight.

Pamela became ill the middle of June. After about three weeks, she made the decision that she was ready to join Lecil in heaven. On the afternoon of Sunday, July 9, 2023, Pamela Albright, age 77, was holding hands with her daughter, and both granddaughters, when she took her final breath.

Pamela was predeceased by her husband, Lecil, her mother and father, her brother, her in-laws, her sister-in-law, and two brothers-in-law, many aunts, uncles, and several cousins.

She is survived by her only child and daughter Amy (Jake Taylor), her sister, Penny, her granddaughters, Chalet (Joey Loos) and Heidi (Randy Turley), her five great grandchildren, Tiernan, Isla, Zaliyah, Desmond, and Luna, her niece Tiffany, Tiffany’s sons, Dakota, Austin, and Blake, and many cousins whom she loved as sisters and brothers.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 22nd at 11am at the Tolleson Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 701 N 95th Ave, Tolleson, AZ 85353.

Pamela’s favorite color was pink, and we invite you to wear her favorite shade.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pamela Albright Memorial Fund at the TerritorialDaughtersofColorado.org. Mail to Kathy West, treasurer, southern chapter, P.O. Box 141, Wetmore, CO 81253