Obituary
Pamela Gardner LaMunion, of Waterville, New York, and Thonotosassa, Florida, sadly passed away unexpectedly on September 8, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska, surrounded by her loved ones who provided comfort and support during her final moments. Pamela was a resilient and courageous individual who faced her health challenges with unwavering determination. While receiving care in the hospital, she remained hopeful and committed to her recovery.
She was born on October 19, 1947, in Utica, New York, the daughter of the late Kenneth Lee Gardner and Jane Muriel Hilsinger. She graduated from Waterville Central School in the Class of 1965. On June 22, 1968, in Madison, New York, she was united in marriage to Donald Lester LaMunion. Together they shared a loving marriage of over 57 years, building a life centered on family, faith, and devotion to one another.
Pamela began her career at the Waterville Knitting Mill before later working as part of the cafeteria staff at Madison Central School. She went on to serve as a Nursing Recruitment Secretary at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. She eventually joined SUNY Morrisville, where she worked for many years as the Athletic Secretary until her retirement. In every role, Pamela was admired for her dedication, warmth, and ability to make everyone feel welcome.
She enjoyed traveling, dancing, and playing cards, but her greatest joy came from spending time with family and friends. Known for her playful Donald Duck voice and her unique “special” language, Pamela brought laughter and light to everyone around her. She also deeply loved her dog, Madison, who predeceased her.
Pamela is survived by her husband, Donald LaMunion; daughters Tracy (Jeff) Finen and Tina (John) Eisenhut; sons Dennis (Chastity) LaMunion and Donald (Robert) LaMunion Jr.; daughter-in-law Colleen (Terry) LaMunion; her brother, Kenneth (Betsy) Gardner; and her cherished grandchildren: Kevin (Mari) LaMunion, Amy LaMunion Huelsman and Brittany Arnold; Katelynne (Ryan) LaMunion, Douglas (Brook) LaMunion, and Derek (Sara) LaMunion; Matthew (Kaitlinn) Kimball and Danielle (Rylin) Kimball; and Cheyenne and Dalton Eisenhut. She is also survived by her adored great-grandchildren: Rae and Paige LaMunion; Kelsey, Addisyn, and Harrison Huelsman; Jayce and Kambryn Kimball; and Callen, Braycen, and Bennett LaMunion. She is further survived by her nieces and nephews: Michael Gardner, Mark Gardner, Christine Lennington, Daniel Doing, Deborah Flynn, David Doing, and David Smith, as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents; her son, Scott LaMunion; her grandson, Jessee Arnold; her sisters, Judith Gardner Smith and Sharon Gardner; her brother-in-law, Merwin “Kenneth” Smith; and her nephew, Timothy Smith.
Throughout their life, Pamela and her husband Donald have shared a cherished friendship with Barry and Eileen Baer, Don and Ethel Goebel, and Jim and Deanne Fellows, built on kindness, laughter, and mutual support. Their bond was a source of comfort and joy, marked by memorable moments and unwavering loyalty. Their friendship exemplified the true meaning of companionship, leaving a lasting imprint for all.
Visitation hours will be held at Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 210 E. Main St. Waterville, NY 13480, on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. On Saturday, September 20, 2025, a joint memorial service honoring both Pamela and her sister Sharon, who recently passed away on September 1, will be held at Waterville Baptist Church, 201 Main St, Waterville at 1:30 p.m. A combined celebration of life will follow at Four Eleven Tower, 411 Tower St., Waterville, bringing family and friends together to honor two remarkable women who touched so many lives.
We would like to sincerely thank the dedicated staff at Alaska Regional Hospital for their compassionate care and unwavering support during Pam’s time with you. Your kindness and professionalism made her feel truly at home, providing comfort and reassurance when she needed it most.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to all who have offered love and support during this time of sorrow.
Pamela’s legacy of love, thoughtfulness, humor, and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.