Pamela Jean Link

Pamela Jean Link Singing to the tune of "We're having lots of fun at Camp Crescendo, and we want to come back next year!" Pamela Jean Link succumbed to ovarian cancer on March 29, 2009. She was born in the kitchen of her family home in Pierce, Neb., on July 23, 1946, the fourth child of Ray and Barbara Seabury Link. She rode to kindergarten in a horse and buggy or sleigh while attending a one-room country school in Plainview, Neb. She graduated from Caldwell High School in 1964 and completed Boise State College in 1967 with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a minor in music. Pamela was married in December of 1966 and became the proud and devoted mother of Marshall, Ashley and Benji Simmonds. Her children were the joy of her existence, each being successful and each adding delightful spouses and adorable grandchildren to the family mix. She became the beloved "Grandma Go-Go" to them all. She had a 22-year-teaching career in Boise, six in elementary classrooms and 16 as a music specialist. Her children's programs were dazzling and innovative and she shared her love of music with thousands of Boise school children. In 1990 she created a unique residential summer music camp for children. Camp Crescendo was held in McCall, Idaho for 15 years, then moved to the campus of the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls. In 2003 she expanded the camp to include a session each summer in Salem, Ore. For 19 years these camps, each with an annual theme, provided children, second through twelfth grades, with a broad spectrum of experiences in dance, theatrics, art, instrumental and vocal music. Campers and staff alike gained skills in leadership and cooperation. After only four days of intense instruction, the campers always put on a final performance that amazed the audience. Pamela always set the bar high and her students never failed to reach it. It would be impossible to note how many children were influenced by these camp experiences, as well as the number who found their passion for future teaching careers because of camp. Another of her loves was her involvement in the women's singing group "Sounds," in which she sang, as well as designed spectacular sets, for over 20 years. Her lifetime dream of living in Manhattan was realized in 1999 when Pamela took a sabbatical and moved to the Big Apple. She walked the circumference of the island, walked all 18 bridges, lectured at Julliard, worked for the NY Philharmonic, saw countless Broadway musicals and enjoyed everything New York City had to offer during that year. Not wanting to rush into anything, Pamela and Tony Binder were married in 2002 after a 20-year date. Their love and devotion for one another was evident to everyone. At that time, Tony's children, Traci and Bret, became a part of their blended family. Survivors include her husband, Tony Binder; her children Marshall (Tabatha) Simmonds, Ashley (Pete) Pearson and Benjamin (Michelle) Simmonds; grandchildren Aidan and Lily Simmonds, Maryn Pearson and Ella Simmonds; Tony's children, Traci Wright and Bret (Shannon) Binder, and grandchildren Sydney, Cassie, and Tannor Wright, Brevin, Presley and Ramsey Binder. She is also survived by her father, Ray Link, her brothers Chuck (Francie) Link, Greg (Sally) Link, and sister Kathie (Ron) Olson and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dr. Dan Zuckerman, the wonderful staff at MSTI, and the supportive care from Life's Doors Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: Boise Public Schools Education Foundation, Capital High School Choir, 8169 W. Victory Rd., Boise, ID 83709 or Caring Bridge, Donation Processing Center, PO box 131447, Houston, TX 77219-1447 or log onto CaringBridge to donate online. For her final production, join us on April 3, 2009 at 5 p.m. at the Doubletree Riverside, 2900 Chinden Blvd. Pamela's ashes will be scattered in the Bramble in Central Park, New York City at a later date. "Life is like a piano -- what you get out of it depends on how you play it." (Anita Robertson)