Pamela (Pam) Simpson
After a long battle with breast cancer, Pamela "Pam" Simpson
(ne Peterson) passed away on November 10, 2017 in Albuquerque, NM at the age of 67. Pam leaves behind her husband, James Simpson; son Jeff Pond; daughters
Lisa Cook and Rebecca Marko; stepdaughter Valli Simpson; stepson Grant Simpson; and brother, Michael Peterson.
Pam was born on March 22, 1950 in Milwaukee, WI to Rolf and Ruth Peterson. The family relocated to Albuquerque, NM in the mid 1950’s, where Pam spent her childhood, graduating from Albuquerque High School in 1968. Pam wore many hats during her lifetime, using her range of skills from the technical and mechanical, to the creative and caring. In 1969, Pam moved to Happy Valley, CA where she tried her hand at ranching, bartending and being a free spirit. She moved back to Albuquerque in the 70’s, where she became one of the few women certified as an Electromechanical Overhaul and Repair Technician, which she put to use working at Duke City Typewriter Company and Nickles in the 1980’s. She then returned to school to become a CNA and receive her Associates Degree in Family Studies, becoming a Health Care Assistant at the nurse’s office at Zia Elementary School and later as a Youth Caretaker at Head Start and Innovative. In the final 15 years before her retirement, she became the primary caregiver for Alice, who became a close friend and confidant, with a shared love of the game show Jeopardy.
Everyone who knew Pam will remember her vast kindness and boundless creativity. Even in the toughest of times, Pam kept a smile on her face that was contagious, brightening up the room wherever she went with her giggles. She was an incredible artist, with an ability to create functional and inventive art out of anything. More recently, she enjoyed designing and casting resin jewelry, with every necklace or pair of earrings becoming their own unique work of art.
Pam’s main creative outlet was her beloved house, with themed rooms and two whimsical ponds. Visitors would find delight from the moment they pulled into her driveway, greeted by the Kokopelli’s "Boogie" and "Woogie". If one visited in the late afternoon hours, it would be to find her living room filled with rainbows cast by numerous crystals hanging in her window and skylights. She also loved to have people in her home, becoming known for her immersive Halloween parties and even hosting a few weddings in her backyard.
A celebration for Pam at her favorite restaurant El Pinto will be announced at a later date. Friends and family can look for details on the ‘Pictures for Pam’ Facebook page, which can be found online at www.facebook.com/ PicsForPam.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her memory to the Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation Hospice, which can be found online at www.phs.org/ community/presbyterianhealthcarefoundation/ways-togive/Pages/online-donation. The family would like to thank Presbyterian Kaseman Hospice for their dedication and caring.