Pamela Brunstrom Obituary

Brunstrom, Pamela Jane

Pamela Jane Brunstrom died peacefully Sunday, February 25, 2024, with family and friends by her side. Pam was born February 22, 1944, in Fargo, ND. She was the daughter of Prescott Rodman and Nelda Marguerite (Parr) Brunstrom and lifelong friend to her big sister, Valerie Jean (Brunstrom) Barnes. When Pam was two years old, her family moved to Davenport, IA, where she attended Monroe Elementary, Frank L. Smart Junior High, and was a member of the second graduating class of West High School in 1962. She graduated from the University of Iowa in 1966 with a degree in Dental Hygiene and then moved to Chicago, IL, where she remained for the next 58 years. Pam worked as a dental hygienist in Evanston for more than 50 years. She was the fun kind of dental hygienist that very few people have, except those fortunate to have been a patient of Pam. Some of her best friends started as patients, and many of her patients have remained friends to this day, with appointments often strategically scheduled to transition to lunch, dinner, or drinks. Pam truly loved Chicago and lived life there to the fullest. She was an avid walker and transit user who proudly never owned or drove a car. Wherever she traveled her preference was always the more scenic or interesting route rather than the boring one, and that's also how she lived her life. She was spontaneous and could be counted on for fun. She most enjoyed going to classic Chicago haunts and was an enthusiastic supporter of the city's architecture and natural beauty. Her other favorite place was her beautiful deck, surrounded by flowers, and often also friends and wine. She was proud of her roots and regularly trekked back to Iowa for family time. Pam's passions also included traveling, from her first trip as a backpacker through Europe in her 20's to the last trip she took to China in her 70's. In between she revisited Europe several times, traveled to Australia and New Zealand, and had countless road trips to all corners of the US and into Canada, often with a friend by her side. Pam is survived by her sister, Valerie (Davenport, IA), sisters-in-law, Delores (Columbia, MO) and Clara Brunstrom (Ashland, MO), and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews, including the "Iowa" crew – Jennifer Barnes of Seattle, WA, Amy (Craig) Ray, Wendy Barnes, and Andrew (Lisa) Barnes of Bettendorf, IA, and Patrick (Tammy) Barnes of Indianapolis, IN – for whom she was and always will be the cool aunt, giving them their earliest experiences with city living and open minds, and having tremendous influence on the people they are today. Pam's family would also like to recognize her chosen Chicago family, including many dear friends who provided support over the past few years that allowed Pam to live life on her own terms for as long as possible. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sisters-in-law, Dick, Alan (Helen), Bruce (Ann), and Jack Brunstrom, and brother-in-law, Gerald Barnes. A celebration of Pam's life will be held in Chicago at a later date. Pam was incredibly generous and supported numerous causes. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Foundation, Dept. 4586, Carol Stream, IL, 60122 (luriechildrens.org) or to your favorite charity. Funeral info: 847.673.6111 or habenfuneral.com to sign guestbook and to leave a condolence message.

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