Pamela Louise Scanlon (Dodge)

Pamela Louise Scanlon (Dodge), our much loved mother, wife, sister, cousin, niece, aunt, grandma, and friend was welcomed by the angels into Heaven on November 25, 2023. She was 64 years old.

Pam suffered an aortic dissection on November 24th, in her West Duluth home. She had a successful seven hour surgery, and talked with her family afterwards. The following evening, despite life saving measures taken by the amazing ICU hospital staff at Essentia Health-St Mary's-Duluth, her heart stopped due to complications of a blood clot.

She will be forever missed by many.

Pam was born on June 18th, 1959 to parents, Vincent & Janice (Page) Dodge. Pam did not have an easy life growing up. She was born with Marfan Syndrome. Marfan affects the heart, eyes, blood vessels, and bones. She was constantly on crutches due to her bad legs, ankles, and feet. She also suffered from epilepsy, encountering seizures. Her school work and social life suffered because of this. At the age of 15 she had a successful eye surgery and was able to see clearly for the first time. Excited and ready to try new things, Pam got her driver's license at the age of 18 after her little sister Markalene taught her how to drive. 

She loved growing up with her brother, sisters, and cousins camping at Driftwood Estate. She would spend the entire summer there in a tent, and later the family got a bus. 

Pam always had a smile on her face and would rarely talk about any of her conditions. In fact, most people never knew the extent of the hurdles she overcame in life, all the way until the end.

Pam graduated from Duluth East High School in 1977. She waitressed at the Caribe Grill on Superior St. for many years while living with her sister Martina in her first apartment. She went on to attend Rochester Community Technical College, Rochester MN. There she earned a two-year associates degree in Early Childhood Development. She would work in a preschool that RCTC had which was opened year round earning all the money for tuition and living expenses. She lived in an apartment off campus. Her brother Tony would ride his motorcycle down to visit her and spend the weekend.  

A couple years later Pam's sister Gina was getting married to Bob (Wagner). Bob's best friend growing up was Mark (Scanlon). Mark asked if Gina had any sisters. She did, and her name was Pam. Pam and Mark met, and 6 months later they were happily married on April 24th, 1982. They honeymooned in Las Vegas, a place they both really loved. 30 years later in April, they renewed their commitment and vows at the Graceland Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas. The ceremony was performed by an Elvis impersonator and this time in attendance were her 3 boys and daughter in law. 

Her 3 boys. They were Pam's pride and joy. Pam said she was put on this earth for one reason and that was to be the Mom of Kyle, Kevin, & Matt. That was her purpose, her job, and that was her favorite thing to do. She adored spending time with them, never missing a single activity no matter how miniscule. That word was not in her vocabulary when it came to her 3 children. Oftentimes extending her motherly arms to her son's friends, nieces, and nephews. She was always there and touched a lot of lives.

Pam instilled her love for camping in her kids. The summers were spent making memories together at Whiteface Reservoir. She loved the stars at Whiteface oftentimes waking her kids up in the middle of the night to come outside the camper to see them. She enjoyed traveling outside of camping too. Making memorable family trips to Disney World, Mount Rushmore, Niagara Falls, Jamaica, and to her timeshare in Las Vegas that she has owned for the past 17 years. 

Pam retired from the Super One Bakery at the age of 60. She loved spending her extra time with her 3 grandchildren. When she wasn't with her kids or grandkids she enjoyed reading, crocheting, creating diamond gem art, and getting lost in a new tv show. She really liked her time catching up with friends and family. Whether it was on the phone or going out for a meal and coffee. Two years ago she purchased a summer home in Texas. She really enjoyed escaping the harsh Duluth winters with her husband Mark. 

Pam had a contagious smile and lived life to the fullest with her family and God. Pam loved HER people and prided herself in being surrounded by family and friends.

Pam is preceded in death by her parents; Vince & Jan, and niece, Cora Cayemberg. She is survived by her husband, Mark; children, Kyle (Kimberly), Kevin, Matthew (Amy); grandchildren, Jordan & Averi, and Solomon; siblings, Tony (Laura) Dodge, Gina (Bob) Wagner, Martina (Ed) Cayemberg, Markalene (Doug) Anderson, and Maria (Jay) Sorensen; extended family members, and many friends.

Visitation on December 15th from 9am-12pm and service to follow at the Vineyard Church: 1533 Arrowhead Rd, Duluth MN 55811.

The service will be live-streamed on the Dougherty Funeral Home Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dfhduluth/

Following the service please join the family at the Greysolon Ballroom: 231 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802 for food, drinks, and stories. 

There is a Parking Ramp connected to the ballroom via skywalk- 302 E 1st St, Duluth, MN 55805

Please honor Pam by being kind and a good listener. In remembrance of Pam the family asks memorials be sent, in lieu of flowers, to the Scanlon family.