Pam's obituary
A Celebration of the Life of
Pamela Valerie Stewart-Temple
Pamela Valerie Stewart-Temple was born on April 12, 1962, to the late Harry and Joan Stewart in Pittsburgh, PA. On October 29, 2025, Pam peacefully completed her long battle with cancer—a journey she carried with remarkable grace. You would never know what she was going through; she continued to show up with her smile, her humor, and her quiet, steady strength.
Pam grew up in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, where she first met Phillip at just eight years old. Twenty years later, a lunch date rekindled that childhood connection, and they married on May 1, 1993. Their journey took them to New Jersey, where they raised their two children, Phillip Douglas Temple II and Alexis Joan Temple, the pride and joy of her life.
Pam was deeply proud of her education and accomplishments. She attended Crescent Elementary School, graduated from Peabody High School in 1980, earned her Associate’s Degree from the Community College of Allegheny County, and completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance at Robert Morris University. She dedicated 40 years to AT&T, rising to the position of Lead Financial Analyst — Enterprise & Mid-Market CFO. Her involvement with the Alliance of Black Telecommunications Employees allowed her to travel, learn, and form lifelong friendships.
Pam loved dogs with her whole heart and once dreamed of becoming a dog trainer. Her German Shepherd–Poodle mix, Prince, wasn’t just her pet—he was her buddy. They enjoyed long walks together, and Prince proudly took on the role of her third child.
Pam also delighted in the simple joys of life. She loved browsing the aisles at HomeGoods, searching for treasures at Costco, and taking relaxed shopping trips to Wegmans. Food brought her happiness too—especially garlic parmesan wings or buffalo wings from Wegmans and just about any salty snack she could get her hands on. She loved settling in with a good horror movie/romcom, listening to her favorite artist Prince, and surrounding herself with the rich, warm color purple, which reflected her vibrant, soulful presence. She was also drawn to the Tree of Life symbol, embracing its message of roots, strength, connection, and growth.
Traditions were important to Pam, especially during the holidays. She enjoyed decorating for Christmas in a warm and simple style that made her home feel cozy and bright. She was also the family’s official Collard Green Maker, crafting the beloved dish from a recipe she passed down verbally, ensuring her legacy would continue through flavor and memory. And when she had the chance to travel, Pam especially enjoyed peaceful beach destinations where she could relax, unwind, and soak in the sunshine.
Pam had a smile that made people feel welcome and a spirit that made people feel seen. She was patient, kind, and beautifully resilient. To know her was to love her.
Pam leaves behind her husband, Phil; her cherished children, Philly and Lexy; her big brother, Dwyer, and his wife, Cynthia; Aunt Dennie (Geraldine); her bonus daughter, Taneesha Temple; her bonus grandsons, Tyler Temple and Eli Smith; and her godchildren, Bryce Reece, Sierra Reece, & Jordan Thomas whom she loved like her own. She also leaves a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and many dear friends who became family.
Today, we celebrate Pam—a woman who laughed often, loved deeply, fought bravely, and lived beautifully.