Pamela Heidenga

Pamela Ann (Marshall) Heidenga, known to many as Pam, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, at the age of 83.
Pam was born on February 11, 1942, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and spent her early years in St. Louis, Missouri, before returning to Grand Rapids, where she attended St. Stephen's School and Marywood Academy and later graduated from Ottawa Hills High School. Afterward, she continued her education at Grand Rapids Junior College and made Grand Rapids her lifelong home.
Pam built a long and successful career as an account executive with WOOD Radio-later known as Clear Channel Radio-where she worked from 1979 until her retirement in 2011. She was well known in the community for her warmth, professionalism, and commitment to local businesses. Most Saturdays, you could find Pam at a radio remote for Rogers Department Store or another local event around the city. When she wasn't working, she could often be found attending her children's various sporting events.
She was active in community life, giving her time to events such as the Special Olympics and the Breton Village Festival of Trees fundraiser, one of her favorites. After retirement, Pam continued to stay involved-volunteering and taking on part-time roles with Vicky's Pet Connection and Experience Grand Rapids, where she greeted travelers at the airport until 2022.
Pam cherished her friendships and social connections. She loved playing bridge with her two bridge groups and looked forward to monthly luncheons with her Ottawa Hills High School classmates.
She is survived by her children, Cyndy (Bryan) Hoexum and Michael (Kimberly) Baker; her beloved grandsons, Jacob Hoexum, Owen Hoexum, and Tommy Baker; and her siblings, Peter Marshall of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Sherry Haglund of San Antonio, Texas. She is also survived by her extended family, Russ and Lynn Baker, their daughter Blaire (James) Grant, and the Heidenga family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Heidenga; her grandson, Darren Hoexum; and her sister, Jane Bean.
Pam spent the last two and a half years in a memory care facility, where she was lovingly cared for as Alzheimer's took a stronger hold of her life. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
The family will welcome friends for a visitation on Saturday, November 1st, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546. The visitation will conclude with a time of prayer and blessing in remembrance of Pam.
Memorial contributions can be made to A Rosie Place for Children, 53131 Quince Road, South Bend, Indiana 46628, or online at www.arosieplace.org, in Pam's honor.