Pamela Jeanne Horowitz

Horowitz, Pamela Jeanne (Ludtke Vitale) age 52, was murdered by an intruder at her Lafayette, CA home on October 15, 2005. Pamela was born on January 11, 1953 at Sheppard Field Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, TX to U.S. Air Force Sgt. Verne B. Ludtke, an accomplished pianist, and Carol J. Crowley Ludtke, a talented vocalist and artist. She grew up with her younger sister, Tamara K. Ludtke Hill, and her parents in New Hope, MN, where she attended Meadow Lake Elementery School, and Hosterman Jr. High School. A gifted student, she was selected for accelerated academic programs in both Jr. High and High school. Pamela graduated ahead of her peers from Cooper Sr. High School, in 1970. She continued her education at Mankato State College, Mankato, MN as a Pre-Med student. Pamela shared her parents' talent in music, and began playing the piano at age 4. She was a musical child prodigy, winning numerous statewide competitions, and playing in youth concerts at Northrup Auditorium, University of Minnesota, from the age of 7. Pamela performed in her own solo piano concert at age 9. She also played flute, piccolo, and oboe, in her high school concert and marching bands. Pamela's love of music continued throughout her life. Pamela was a world traveler and adventurer. She was based in London, England, as a Pan American Airlines Flight Attendant. She studied Flamenco, dancing in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, learned how to skydive, and traveled internationally as a Computer Network Executive. She was a devoted mother to her two children, Mario A. Vitale and Marisa A. Vitale, and was involved in building a new home with husband, Daniel Horowitz, when her life was tragically taken from us. Pamela's radiant smile warmed our hearts. Her loyalty, integrity, and strength of character inspired us. Her love and tenderness touched our souls. We will miss her every day of our lives. Pamela was buried in Lafayette, CA, following a funeral service attended by family members and close friends. Pamela is survived by her children, Mario and Marisa Vitale of Los Angeles, CA; her husband, Daniel Horowitz of Lafayette, CA; her parents, Verne B. Ludtke & Carol J. Crowley Ludtke of New Hope, MN; her sister, Tamara K. Hill & brother-in-law, Phillip J. Hill of Anacortes, WA; and numerous Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. A Memorial Music Service to Celebrate Pamela's Life will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, corner of France Avenue and Lake Drive, Robbinsdale, MN. Flowers may be sent to the church, or a memorial gift/donation may be given to the Peace Lutheran Church Music Department.
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.