Pam H. Pittman

Well, as obituaries go, and with the passing of one very special human being on this planet, you should expect that this would be anything but conventional. Pamela Helen Pittman, 82, passed away peacefully on her beloved cherry farm in Cedar, Michigan surrounded by family on July 7, 2023. Having led a life so vibrant and filled with cherished moments, it’s easy to see the profound impact Pam had on countless lives. Whether you knew her as a colleague, a teacher, cherished friend, a partner in crime, a guardian angel, or any of the countless roles she played, her legacy is known and felt by so many. To summarize Pam’s extraordinary life would take more pages than one could imagine. But it appears that we have some help from the most surprising source. Those of you who know Pam, know that she lived her life on her terms, and her terms alone. And she was never unclear that when her time came, she would go out on her terms, with grace, dignity, and a deep sense of fulfillment. Mission accomplished. So perhaps you won’t be surprised to know that Pam actually wrote her own words for this very moment, and insisted we share them with you all. So here we go, transcribed exactly as she penned it in her life’s journal. It captures the spirited journey of her memorable life: “Rather than a standard obituary, I thought that rather than others writing about me, I decided to do it myself, so what else is new? :) To talk about my life I have to thank all the people who helped me become the person I became. I cannot write names because I would feel terrible to miss anyone - those that are still alive and those who beat me to the punch. I have been so blessed from the day I was born. I have learned from each and everyone I have come in contact with throughout my years. There have been some “iffy” situations but they too were learning experiences. I made some mistakes and have some regrets but on the other side of it I learned and tried not to repeat. I have truly enjoyed my life and am so grateful to all who cared and know I cared right back. Thank you to each and everyone, you gave me a great life. I hope some of you who helped me grow I was able to help you - life is supposed to be sharing and helping each other regardless of where we come from or how much we have. We need to consider each other’s feelings and respect each other regardless of the choices we make in life. We are not here to be judge and jury - no one I know or have known can claim that position.

True friends and family do not have to talk everyday - my life has been a true testimonial of this. You just sense when in times of trouble - mental, physical, or other situations, we are there for each other. I hope you knew I was there for you. To those of you who feel bad because you feel you should have called or visited more - don’t! - Life is semi-short, put those energies to positive situations. Love you all! Love, Pam, Sis, Mom, Busia, Friend…“ These words probably sound familiar to you too. That’s because Pam was a tireless, loving human being that never gave up on anyone that needed help, love, and especially tough love. Her legacy was best captured in a 2001 Leelanau Enterprise profile of her unwavering commitment to her community, her ‘kids’ and the families all across the county. Here’s a snippet or two from that article that says it best: “Pam Pittman, affectionately known as the Pied Piper of Centerville Township, was a retired schoolteacher whose home served as a haven for local children. With an approach combining love, guidance, and discipline, she imparted crucial life skills and values, making a profound impact on the lives of her young visitors. She was praised for her listening skills and unwavering support, effortlessly stepping into the role of an aunt or grandmother for many. Her tireless dedication to nurturing and teaching kids was a testament to her belief in the significance of charity and respect. Her legacy is an indelible mark on her community, marking her as a rich spirit devoted to the betterment of her township’s children.”

Pam was born to two inspiring parents Stash and Helen Pawlovich. Pam and her younger sister Karen grew up in Hamtramck, Michigan. She attended Eastland High School, and got her degree in Education from the University of Michigan. Pam was an admired school teacher that mastered the art of tough love both in the classroom at home with her kids. Pam was also a musically gifted piano teacher who always had her piano close by throughout her life. She married, had two boys in Dearborn, Michigan, and eventually found her way up to God’s country - no, the other one, Northern Michigan. There she settled in right away. As a manager, she was part of the legend of Wildwood Lanes in the late 70’s where she and her sons became quite the ‘pro bowlers’ at least in her sons’ minds. Pam was a strong woman who raised her two boys in Traverse City, and did absolutely everything to help them find their passions and live their best lives. And that we have. Of all the kids she helped along the way, we were the very luckiest of them all. Eventually, Pam retired out on her beloved family cherry farm with the historic Good Harbor Motel in Cedar, Michigan, the special place her own parents created, lived, and worked on throughout their retirement. Later in life, Pam finally trained one of her sons well enough to step in and keep this extraordinary legacy alive at the farm, something we will always treasure because of the lasting memories that span so many generations, with many more to come. Pam is survived by her two sons Stan and RJ, her grandkids Alexi and Roman, cousins Josh Pawlovich and Michael Banasiak, and countless friends she calls family.

Pam’s spirit will forever be among us and among the orchards. So when you’re driving by, on old County Road 651, (now South Good Harbor Trail), look up into the orchards and you’ll find her dancing in the breeze with her mother, father, and sister among the cherries, right where she always loves to be.

We will be hosting a celebration of life for Pam on Saturday June 15, 2024 at the Martinson Funeral Home in Suttons Bay, from 1-5pm. Hope to see you there.