Pam, age 63, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away August 17, 2024. Pam’s battle was met with her fierce strength and sheer determination of living life with all the gusto she could muster. Pam’s Portuguese blood was her superpower and her Portuguese Kale soup, well, that was the bomb too! Her barbequing of ribs was second to none, though on occasion, our neighbors, who are fire department folks, would text us, “You girls ok? We are not liking the color of smoke coming from the backyard.”

Pam’s life began in Hyannis, MA on July 29, 1961. Pam’s parents lived in Provincetown, MA, still home forever. If you are lucky enough to visit, take a moment to reflect in Lopes Square. Being born in late July makes her a Leo. Leos are natural born leaders. Her leadership was on constant display throughout her 30+ years in the banking business mentoring many and creating life-long friendships.

Pam’s dad served in the armed forces allowing her to travel the world- her favorite was Germany. Pam was preceded in death by her mother, Adeline (Meads), dad Ronald Lopes, as well as her youngest sister, Michelle Simms.

Pam is survived by her wife Diana, their four sons, Adam, Ryan, Josh and Ryan (yes two Ryan’s) and his wife Hillary Key. Grands Tatyanna, Colton, Nolan, Eli, Violet, and Emory, who know Pam as their “Vovo,” meaning grandmother in Portuguese. Sister Jennifer Spiess and her spouse, Howard “Hojo”. Her fairy godmother Carol and Ronnie Pavoe, her cousin Stephanie Santos and her spouse Tommy, and so many more spread throughout the world; whether by blood or by marriage, it doesn’t matter; just the love of family, and family is forever.

At the age of 36 her life changed in several ways. She began her partnership with her wife whom they had been friends since 1987. They had their first civil union in 1999, followed by marriage in 2015 once legalized in AZ. Additionally, Pam was inflicted by the dreaded curse of the disease that runs rampant in her lineage.

As a Leo, Pam was striking, radiant, generous, loving, and always willing to lend a hand. Pam could roof a house and repair just about anything that needed a fix. Despite her unwavering strength, she was not afraid to express her emotions and give grace. Pam’s faith was strong, and she never forgot her love for the Lord.

Most of life is the in between, which she lived well. We are all here just to walk each other home, and sometimes we just carry them.

Today we inhale Pam’s grace and exhale gratitude for her life well lived. Today we will be okay with the “not okay”, until it passes.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life Service on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at 10 o’clock A.M. in Serenity Chapel at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery followed by a committal ceremony at her glass front niche.

In lieu of flowers, a Memorial fund has been set up at Pam’s request as healthcare costs have been astronomical. All funds will go to medical bills and with any excess, a scholarship fund will be established in her honor.

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