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Pamela Ornellas Obituary
Dr. Pamela S. (Hemsath) Ornellas, "Dr. O," passed away on May 6, 2016 at her home surrounded by her family. Pam was the first born child to Robert W. and Susan K. Hemsath in Carson City, Nevada on July 15, 1961.
Pam was a fourth generation Douglas County resident and began attending Douglas County schools at the Minden Elementary School. Pam graduated from Douglas High School in 1979 as the valedictorian while also being voted Homecoming Queen by her classmates. Pam went on to attend the University of Nevada-Reno and attained her undergraduate degree in 1984. She immediately entered the University of Nevada Medical School where she graduated with honors in 1988. Upon completing her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in San Bernardino in 1991 she returned to Reno and began her family practice career. Pam proudly served this community and upon her early retirement wished all her patients to live each day with passion, as if it your last. We never know what will happen next. Love and laughter is the best medicine she know. She wished us all to laugh every day and love with abandon.
Both professionally and personally, Pam was an exceptional role model. Dr. Ornellas was recognized by her peers as an outstanding physician and was noted in the Bridges to Excellence Recognition-Level III (2013 - 2016), the NCQA Physician Practice Connection-Patient Centered Medical Home (2013 - 2016) and Renown's Woman of Achievement twice.
On August 3, 1980 Pam married the love of her life, high school sweetheart, and best friend, David Ornellas, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Gardnerville, Nevada. They were blessed to be married for over 35 years. Pam and David had two children, Nic and Camille. She was a wonderful mother who shared special bonds with each of her children. She was especially proud of the father and husband Nic has become while spending many years enjoying Camille develop as a dancer. When she did find a few spare moments (often at midnight) she created volumes of scrapbooks filled with the special memories of her family.
Pam is preceded by her grandparents, Eleanor Hemsath, Dorothy Thran, and Earnhart Thran. She is survived by her husband, David Ornellas, son, Nic (Sara) Ornellas and grandson, Oliver Ornellas of Reno, daughter, Camille Ornellas of Reno, parents, Robert and Susan Hemsath of Gardnerville, sister, Nonie (Cary) Olson of Gardnerville, brother, Robert (Monica) Hemsath of Texas, brother, Scott (Jennifer) Hemsath of Gardnerville and her large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews all of whom she loved greatly.
Pam's passing was a bittersweet moment since both her family and community lost a beloved family member, role model, friend, and professional while ending her long battle with diabetes and various forms of cancer. A celebration of life is scheduled at 10:00 a.m. at Calvary Chapel 220 Edison Way Reno, Nevada on Saturday May 14, 2016.
In lieu of flowers the Ornellas family requests donations be sent to Renown Health Foundation Institute for Cancer in her memory at 1155 Mill Street Reno, Nevada 89502 or online at renown.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Pamela Ornellas
Jennifer P.
September 3, 2025
I saw your picture today and I was filled with so many wonderful memories of how you took care of my family for so many years!
My mothers& father were the first of us to find you at a clinic on 4th street.
Then myself, my oldest daughter Morgan & my youngest daughter Sara, whom you amazed me by coming to see her at the hospital the day that Sara was born.
You truly meant so much to my family and your memory lives on forever on our homes & hearts.
Blessings to your family
Thank you for all of the beautiful years!
Dawn Stokes
May 4, 2023
I still miss you after all these years. Always in my heart.
Sissy
August 19, 2022
After all these years, I still miss you Dr O
Sissy
May 4, 2021
I have not been able to find another Dr. that is suitable, Dr O was awesome and I am not able to find anyone to replace her after all these years. Still want to cry every time I think of you after all these years. Sleep tight lovely lady.
Jo Moore
October 17, 2019
You were the best. Miss you so much my "Doctor Pam." Think of you often.
Sissy W
October 16, 2019
Time goes by and memories fade. I can't forget you. You will always be one of best people and best Dr. I have ever met, Sleep tight little sassy lady. Miss you Dr. O.
Cheryl Haas
May 5, 2019
Can not believe another year has passed so quickly. We still miss her smile and caring way. Dr. O will always live on in our hearts.
Lake Tahoe
Cheryl Haas
November 4, 2018
Dearest Family of Dr. O,
Thank you for sharing your wife, mother, and daughter with her patients. She holds a special place in my heart, always. She made us all feel listened to and understood; she had the true gift of bed-side manner. I hugged her everytime I saw her and she shared so much with me. I will never forget her kindness and intellect in medicine. Miss you forever our loving doctor.
Anne
May 5, 2018
Two years, and I still cannot find a Doctor with your compassion and wit. We lost not only a great person, but a great Doctor. I hope your getting your well deserved rest. Bless your soul. I miss you.
Barbara T
February 10, 2018
Dr O, You were the best doctor I ever had. I miss you very much. You always cared about your patients and always lent a compassionate ear. There wii never be someone like you ever again. I am among one of your patients that always received the best care! Good night lovely lady and May you Rest In Peace.
August 30, 2017
I just found out. Dr. O was a kind and wonderful person. I always felt like she was a friend as well as my family dr. I missed her when we could no longer have her as our dr. I sent prayers after receiving her letter. Here's to you Pamela Ornellas.
Denise
May 13, 2017
I miss you my friend.
Liz Motter
June 11, 2016
I feel so fortunate to have known Pam. As others have attested she was more than a doctor. She was straight forward when needed, but that's because she was there for you. She always took the time to listen, and her laugh, joy of life, was contagious. I looked forward to my visits with Pam. One summer as I was having some health issues I saw her more often than my usual once a year checkup, I noticed that she was not 'her self'. I asked her what was going on... she was surprised, but pleased to have someone ask her how she felt... that's when I learned about the breast cancer. So, from that appointment on, I made it my goal at every visit to ask about her and her family. Being a teacher I would bring material, and support when needed as she dealt with the ups and downs of school age children, as all of us do as parents. I enjoyed our talks. She loved her family, and fiercely stood up for her children! My son was a patient, too. One fall day I went to an appointment with him taking his three month son along. It happened to be the morning that she became a grandmother! It truly was a blessed event!
I want to thank her family for sharing her with so many of us. Pam modeled what a family physician is suppose to be like. I hold her in my heart.
Diane and Bill Merrick
May 26, 2016
Both my husband and I trusted Dr. O with our lives And at no time in over 20 years of dedicated service did we doubt we were getting anything but the absolute BEST care. She was truly one of a kind in "bedside manner" no matter where we may have needed her advice all over the world. Loved her like a daughter , respected no one higher in the field!
Linda Williams
May 17, 2016
I was so shocked to hear of Dr. Ornellas passing. What a loss to all her family, friends and especially to her patients. She was my doctor for a long time. She always recognized you in a crowd of people! She was just a special lady in all respects. How she is going to be missed. My prayers go out to her family and hope all these prayers you receive will help in some small way.
May 16, 2016
I am very sorry to hear of Dr O's passing. Dr O was a wonderful doctor. I had the honor of being able to work with her for a short time and she was my family doctor. She always had a smile and was very kind and caring. She will be missed greatly.
Becca
Sallie Moore
May 16, 2016
I was gutted Saturday evening when I learned of Dr. Ornellas' death. She was a wonderful doctor. She was so easy to talk to and able to drill down to the issue(s) at hand. She knew exactly what approach she should take for each of her patients. She was always thoughtful and optimistic. I wasn't surprised when she was recently awarded recognition from Renown. I have been dreading this news since receiving her heartfelt letter last year. I knew that the only reason she couldn't practice medicine was because she was physically unable to do so. I grieve with all her family and friends.
Betty Foster
May 15, 2016
Your Mom and Wife was my Doctor since she started practicing with Dr. Judy Hilbish, many years ago. I loved her dearly and we had a great relationship. About 12 years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Dr. O. made all the arrangements for my care, the surgery, radiation and reconstruction and left her scrapbooking magazine on my bed in the recovery room. In there, I learned that she had gone thru very much the same experience shortly before.
As recently as 2 years ago I contacted her via "My Chart" and told her we were going to Europe in a few days and my ears were plugged up. She ordered some nasal spray which saved our trip. After we got home, I asked Theresa what she liked and was told "Unique Christmas Ornaments". We had spoken a lot about Camille's dancing and I found an ornament of a ballet dancer for "MY DR. O". I miss her so much and I expect I will for a very long time. You all were blessed with an incredible woman.............BLESSINGS , Betty Foster
Julie
May 14, 2016
Dr. O was a kind loving and caring physician. She was very hard working and extremely bright. She was a proud mother and caring wife. May her soul rest in peace and may her family find comfort during these difficult days.
Jan Mooney
May 14, 2016
Dave and family,
I was so sorry to hear about your wife passing away. She was a great doctor and member of the community. She will be missed by all. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
Dawn Stokes
May 13, 2016
Dr. O was a monumental part of my life. She was truly an Earth Angel....I am sad to learn that she has passed; however, I know she is at peace. I will forever be thankful that I had Dr. O in my life to guide, comfort, teach, and love me. What a blessing. Dr. O truly made a difference and I will forever carry her in my heart.
May 13, 2016
May God bless the family of Dr. Ornellas,she was a wonderful Dr. and women! Prayers and blessings . Ed & Debbie Milobar
kathy Clarke
May 13, 2016
She was my doctor for a very long time. I can't believe how hard I took this news when I read it in the newspaper.I was one of the recipients of the heartfelt letter she wrote to ALL her patients., so I knew there was something tragic going on in her life,but I didn't believe it was her. OR didn't want to believe it was her. Hope her family is able to read all of these letters and notes to know how much she was TRULY loved and liked. I hope Dr "O" knew it too!
Steven Bridges
May 13, 2016
The Bridges Family or Goldthwaite, Texas send our thoughts and prayers to Pam's Family. We are close personal and professional friends of Robb and Monica Hemsath down here in Goldthwaite. Our prayers are with you all!
Steven Bridges
Patty, Roger and James
May 13, 2016
Thank you, "Dr. O.", for taking such good care of us over many years. Our trust in you never waivered. Never. You gave us your absolute best, (and common sense) medical advice that will stay with us always. Your compassionate 'goodbye' letter to your patients was an inspiration to live life to the fullest each and every day. We cannot begin to say how much you have been, and will be missed. Thank you for everything.
Our hearts go out to your family with love, and we pray they will find strength in the examples you set and the wonderful memories that you left with them. You will never be forgotten.
Patty Whitehurst
Roger Gelmstedt
James McGinley
John and Beth (Lisa) Heggeness
May 12, 2016
Dr. Pam Ornellas was a caring and personal "doc." She was first my husband's doctor, eventually, mine, and she guided us through many scary journeys with an un-regonized and now very recognized genetic blood-clotting-disorder. She was ready and willing to discuss current medical practice and always applauded us as intelligent consumers (many physicians in my husband's family). She helped to advocate for correct treatment. She laughed and told me stories about dancing and how her son loved to read. She was our family doctor early on her practice so we had about 40 years of history. Our deep condolences to her family and our regrets. She made a difference in our lives, and we thank her.
Mary Jane Loudenburg
May 12, 2016
Dr Pam was my co-worker, my doctor and my friend. Pam has been in my life for over 20 years. She took care of my boys, husband, mother, sisters ect. We miss her and morn her loss.
Mary Jane Loudenburg
May 12, 2016
Pam was my co-worker, Doctor, and my friend. She was my entire families Doctor. We will miss her and morn her loss. She was one of the Angels.
Alicia Stewart
May 12, 2016
Dr. O was my Dr. for many years and helped me with a tough time of prospective cancer. I feel like I lost a family member. I know it may seem strange, but our Dr. 's come to know almost as much about us as our family members do. She spoke of Camille's dancing often because I have a niece who also dances...she was a proud mom! She will be missed. My prayers to her family.
Jo Marie Moore
May 12, 2016
She was my doctor "Pam" for 20 years. She was an outstanding physician as well as a good friend to myself and many of her patients. I will always remember that great sense of humor and beautiful smile. I miss her so much. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Larry Pfeifer
May 11, 2016
Losing a family member at any time is never easy. I hope that the bond of family and friends will help you get thru this tough time. All my prayers
Carla Manson
May 11, 2016
Dr. O was my doctor for over 15 years. She was an amazing woman who always listened intently. My condolences and prayers to the many who loved her. I know I did.
Anne
May 11, 2016
She was a brilliant doctor. I doubt I'll ever be lucky enough to know another like her. I'll never forget that she wore a dress every single time I ever saw her, in the eleven years she was my doctor. Dead of winter; didn't matter...the woman was dressed to the nines! Marvelous woman, doctor and friend.
May 10, 2016
I am so sad to hear this news. Pam was such a dear friend and inspiration to me in high school and college years. Prayers to the entire family as you all grieve this loss. I'm so sorry for your loss and pain right now. May the Lord provide you comfort.
Sandy Wartgow
Lavon Manke
May 10, 2016
Susan, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. God Bless all of you! Lavon Thran Manke
Marnee Hastings
May 10, 2016
Dr. Ornellas was one of the best doctors I have ever had. She will be missed so much. My Prayers go out to her family.
Marnee Hastings
Tammey Stewart
May 10, 2016
Dr Ornellas was an amazing woman and doctor. I am grateful to have known her. May God wrap his arms around her family, providing them with comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Julie B
May 10, 2016
Dr. O was a great lady. She will be missed.
May 10, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Cile Cogburn
May 10, 2016
Dr. O was my physician for many years and was such a strong support for me especially as my spouse of 40+ years battled a long painful journey with cancer. She encouraged me to maintain my healthy lifestyle even as the stressors of life became almost overwhelming. She supported my decision to move closer to my grandchildren after my spouse's death, always reminding me that my career was secondary to my family relationships. I always looked forward to my visits with her and that is not always the case when a patient sees his/her physician. Her office staff respected her and patients could "feel" the comfortable environment they created. I am so sad to hear of her death. She will always be a positive reminder to me that having a relationship with your family doctor still matters. My heart is heavy for her family. Blessings,
Cile (Gretchen) Cogburn
Henderson, NV
criss
May 10, 2016
You'll be missed Dr. O
Dixie Love
May 10, 2016
Dr. "O" was such a great person. She lit up a room when entering and made the time with her memorable. My heartfelt condolences to her wonderful family. Cherish your memories forever.
Christine Breeze
May 10, 2016
Good bye my sweet angel. I have been so worried about you for so long now I know you're in God's loving arms. Thank you for all your help and support over the years. You were always my blessing. Chris Breeze
Lee
May 10, 2016
She was such an understanding, wise doctor. She will truly be missed.
Lee
May 10, 2016
She was such an understanding, wise doctor. She will truly be missed.
Jerilyn
May 10, 2016
What a shock, she will be missed by many. Condolences and prayers to her family.
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