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Pamela Stanek Obituary


PAMELA DEANE STANEK
November 28, 1942 ~ October 24, 2016

Pamela Deane Stanek (Pamela Leonard, Pam) passed away peacefully in her home on October 24, 2016 at the age of 73, following her battle with cancer. The daughter of Nelma Eileen Marvel and Jesse Edward Leonard, she was born on November 28, 1942 in Corvallis, OR and was the youngest of three sisters (Penny, Petie, and Pami).
She is survived by sons Adam and Jason, whom their happiness and the happiness of her family brought her the most joy in her life. She attended the University of Oregon for two years after graduating from Lincoln High School prior to coming back to the Portland area, eventually landing in Vancouver for the remainder of her days.
She also attended Portland State University, graduating in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and later achieved her Masters degree while teaching at Hudson's Bay High School in Vancouver, WA, where she taught for 17 years.
She loved to write (having published two books and working on a third), read, do crossword puzzles, visit with friends and family, plan vacations and organize gatherings, and was an avid Jeopardy watcher.
A most beloved mother, Pam touched the lives and the hearts of countless people and she will be forever missed by all who knew her.
There will be no service, but a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service is assisting the family.
Please sign her guestbook at www.columbian.com/obits

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbian on Oct. 30, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Pamela Stanek

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Nathan Vaughan

September 5, 2021

So sad to learn of Pam's passing. A born teacher, her gentle kindness and compassion for her students was truly a gift. I will never forget her singular wit and voice. My condolences to the family.

Denise Bekkedahl

November 29, 2016

A lovely and compassionate soul! Pam was one of the most pivotal influences in my professional life. She was my mentor teacher for my student teaching; and it was her still small voice that guided many of the decisions I made while working with kids over the years. Thank you, Pam, for leaving such a lovely handprint on the world. We are better for having known you.

Anders Manley

November 28, 2016

Pam Stanek will forever be remembered for her kindness, good natured spirit and most of all the amazing talent for teaching and inspiring others. Thank you so much to the entire family for sharing her, if only briefly with the hundreds of students she must of had over 17 years of teaching. Whether she knew it or not, I will always remember her as one of my favorite educators and role models. Sincere condolences to the family.

Don Gillingham

November 4, 2016

Pam seems to have touched our family in many ways, a grandson who had her as a teacher at Hudson's Bay, a daughter in-law who worked with her at Bay, a daughter and son in-law that went to school with Jason, and other contacts we had with the Stanek family over the years. She was so positive and caring. Our condolences to Adam and Jason for the loss of their mother, a very nice lady. Don Gillingham Family

Luse Carolann

November 1, 2016

I have so many fond memories of Pam while working with her at H. Bay. The laughter we shared still warms my heart. Pam always made everything fun ! You couldn't be with Pam and not leave without a smile on your face. My thoughts and prayers go out to Adam and Jason and all who loved her.

Dennise Davis-Larson

October 31, 2016

Condolences to the family and especially Adam and Jason.

Dolores Bailey

October 31, 2016

My son James had Pam Stanek as a teacher at Hudson's Bay High School, I found Pam to be a very loving and caring teacher towards her students. I have no doubt her family and close friends will miss her deeply.

Peggy Anderson

October 31, 2016

Pam inspired and encouraged so many with her strength of character and gifts of teaching and writing. I will never forget my interactions with her amazing energy and wise words.

Melanie Clark

October 30, 2016

Pam was a feisty, strong, fun woman, as well as an incredibly talented person. She brightened the room with her wit and charm and warmed hearts with her compassion. She will be missed.

Angie Grohn

October 30, 2016

Pam was an amazing, strong woman and a gifted, inspirational writer. I was lucky to have known her, even if only for a short while. She will be missed so very much. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

Tim Melcher

October 30, 2016

Mrs. Stanek was my favorite teacher in High School. She was a kind soul and loved teaching others. She inspired myself and so many of my classmates to do great things in life. I became a teacher because of the inspiration Mrs. Stanek provided me during my time at Bay. She was an amazing person and it is a sad day to learn of her passing. My thoughts are with her family. Once an Eagle always an Eagle.

Judith Brown

October 29, 2016

So sad to learn of Pam's passing. May she Rest In Peace.

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Memorial Events
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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service

605 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR 97301

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