Obituary: Pamela Ann Lee

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.

Pamela Ann Lee

Pamela Ann Lee passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the age of 67. She was surrounded by devoted family, friends, and compassionate caregivers in her final days.

Pam was born on July 23, 1958, to the late Marilyn (Lawrence) and Byron Oliver Lee, Jr., in Elmhurst, IL. The Lee family moved to Joliet when Pam was in first grade. She attended Troy Elementary School and graduated from Joliet West High School. Pam earned a Bachelor of General Studies from the University of Iowa and later earned a Master of Business Administration from Lewis University.

Pam was the loving sister of Dr. Michael (Susan) Lee of Joliet and Gary (Elizabeth) Lee of Novato, CA; devoted aunt of Michael (Lindsey) Lee, Jr., Christina (Michael) Wolfer, Melissa (Michael) Ursitti, and Alexis Lee; proud great aunt of Grayson, Raelynn, and Hayden Lee, Gabriella and Kane Wolfer, and Dominic Ursitti; loving niece of Bernadine Summers of Oswego, IL; and first cousin of Jeffrey Poska, Cindy Governile Lentz, Penny Governile Kozar, and Gale Governile Lorentz.

Pam had two demanding careers during her life. She initially worked for Sax Fifth Avenue in Oakbrook, climbing the ladder to become the Human Resources Director. Years later, she wanted a change of pace and joined the Greater Joliet Area YMCA staff. She ultimately achieved the leadership role of Executive Director of the new C. W. Avery Family YMCA in Plainfield.

Pam was an outgoing and social person. She loved a party and was blessed to maintain very close friendships with a dozen high school girl friends and their spouses throughout her adult life. This group gathered regularly around family pools in the summer, observed birthday celebrations, dinners out, traveled together, and enjoyed holidays regularly. Pam was well equipped to host a party because she enjoyed festive decorations, and she was a skilled cook who was famous for her delicious soups.

Pam loved spending time with her beloved dog, Bitsy. Later in life, she especially enjoyed spoiling her nieces and nephews with gifts. Amazon definitely knew the way to her home! For decades, she enjoyed visiting her parents’ lake house in Michigan and their Ft. Myers, Florida condominium. Wherever Pam went, she loved old movies, comedy sitcoms, and reading a good book when she had a quiet time.

Pam will always be admired for her positive spirit in fighting lung cancer for over 10 years. She was a true warrior. She credited her longevity to the excellent care she received from multiple physicians and nurses throughout her journey. Special appreciation is extended to her devoted friends for their ongoing love and support. Lightways Hospice was a deep comfort to her during the last few months of her life. Her caregivers, Patty Pemble and Teaquicia “Tea” Ward, were especially devoted to Pam.

A private family service of remembrance for Pam will occur at a later date. Per her request, cremation rites have been accorded.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Pam’s name can be made to the Lightways Hospice of Joliet or to the American Cancer Society.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

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