Ricker Funeral Home - Lebanon
It is with profound sadness that we recognize the sudden passing of Pamela Schoetzau, the dear and loving wife of Patrick O'Connell of Enfield, New Hampshire. Pamela was born on August 30, 1950 in New York City to Naval Surgeon, Warren W. Schoetzau and Kathleen M O'Neil, RN. Pamela was raised in Bayside, New York along with her beloved sister, Barbara. She graduated from Bayside High School in 1967, received her BA in Psychology from the University of Hartford in 1971. Pamela earned a Diploma Degree in Nursing from Worcester City Hospital graduating as Valedictorian of her Class.
She accepted a commission in the United States Air Force and following Officer's Military Indoctrination was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland where she met her future husband. She accepted a transfer to Lakenheath Air Base in England and Patrick and Pamela maintained a long distance relationship over two years. Pam rose to the rank of Captain and was the recipient of the AF Training Ribbon, AF Longevity Service Ribbon and the AF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon. Upon separation from the USAF she joined Patrick in Maryland and supported him as he pursued his Nursing degree. The couple married on October 18, 1985 an lived in Crownsville, MD and worked in Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD area hospitals.
Pam and Pat relocated to Enfield to continue their nursing careers at DHMC. Pam was particularly enriched by the relationships she developed as a Neuroscience Nurse on 5 West at DHMC where she was a favored mentor to many just beginning their careers.
A lifelong animal lover and humane society supporter Pam enjoyed the company of three rescued dogs and one rescued cat while living in NH, canines Sam and Dooley (both deceased), feline Elvis (deceased) and Cedar who survives her. Pam was especially known for her extraordinary kindness toward her family and friends.
An avid reader and innately inquisitive she possessed a profound intellect and would devote herself to whatever interested her until she became expert in the subject. She enjoyed Interior Decoration and Design, the Impressionists, painting with watercolor and gardening.
She lived a life of service putting her family, friends, and patients first.
She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Patrick; her devoted sister, Barbara of NYC; sister-in-law, Clare, and husband, George Frost, of East Setauket NY; brother-in-law, Martin O'Connell, and wife, Sally, of St. Johns, Florida; sister-in-law, Kathleen Bowman of Douglaston, NY; brother-in-law, John O'Connell, and wife, Linda, of Bayport, NY; and brother-in-law, Daniel O'Connell, Esq., and partner, Barbara, of San Francisco, CA. Pam is also survived by her cousins, Sharon O'Neill of Spring Hill, FL and Lisa Frascella, Robert O'Neill, and Scott O'Neill of Long Island, NY.
In addition, Pam leaves many friends and colleagues but most importantly her cherished friends, Jason and Shauna Moores of Enfield, NH, whose love, devotion, and support were immeasurable.
Donations in Pam's name may be made online to Best Friends Animal Society at www. bestfriends.org.
Family and friends are invited to Pamela's calling hours at the Ricker Funeral Home on School Street in Lebanon, NH on Monday, October 5th from 3 to 6 pm with an opportunity to share memories at 6 pm.
An online guest is available to leave a message of condolence by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com.
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Valley News of Lebanon
http://vnews.com
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