Pamela Ann McManus
Pamela Ann McManus
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Pamela McManus Obituary
Pamela was born Pamela Ann Sisney in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 9, 1953, to Dwight Ellsworth Sisney and Jeann Courts Sisney.
She grew up in Highland Park and Deerfield, Illinois. She was an honor student all through high school and college and was awarded the Phi Beta Kappa key. At age 21, she bought a one-way ticket to California. She received a B.A. in psychology and a master's in social work, both from UC Berkeley.
Pamela enjoyed decades of work as a professional editor and was a gifted transcriptionist, work she found fascinating.
Perhaps what Pamela will be remembered for most was the level of friendship she offered. She maintained numerous longtime friendships and was valued for her empathy, acceptance, and loyalty. She always said that her friends were the most important part of her life.
She played piano by ear, enjoyed dancing to rock-and-roll, and she loved to sleep late. She enjoyed composing poems to honor people she cared about. Her favorite places were Pacifica, Sea Ranch, and Santa Monica, California.
Pamela is survived by her wonderful, loving husband, Randy McManus of Pacifica, California, brother Ned (Mary) Sisney and niece Kaitlyn Sisney of Mequon, Wisconsin.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Deborah Varney
July 10, 2025
I´m a friend of hers from childhood! I lived a cross the street. Pam was so inspirational to me! As I reflect over the past 60 years, I can definitely say Pamela was my protective big sister I never had! (She was 3 years older than I.) Pam babysat me and my siblings! Loved cats and candles, rolling her hair in big rollers! She loved California with a passion!!! Sorry I couldn´t find her sooner. Missed her!! and miss her. Many fond memories. Deb Varney, Chandler, AZ
Wendy Ledger
February 26, 2025
I was really thinking of Pamela this past Saturday night. A friend and I sat down to play Squiggle, a game I had never played before. She commented on my ablity to immediately strategize. I told her about Pamela, how we had played an online form of Scrabble for years, how she had mostly trounced me in the games, but by the end, I could win 20 percent of the time. She taught me humility, playing for the love of the game, appreciating your "opponent"'s excellence, and how to grow in confidence and skills along the way. I miss Pamela and loved her dearly.
Nancy Donnell
April 14, 2024
Losing Pamela has been a difficult journey.
I´ve been lost in the psychological struggle to understand that my friend is not here while coping with that empty place that sits in my heart.
"I have two weeks to live," she told me. It was a precious three.
While Pamela was a sensitive person, she was also very strong.
She accepted the horrific diagnosis and made a list of the reasons why dying was okay.
I first met Pamela when looking for an editor for my book.
She was brilliant and thorough. We talked business every few days, and after business, another hour or more for pleasure.
After I was published, the calls never stopped.
We remained a constant in each other´s lives, sharing all the good times
and lifting each other up during the rough patches.
Now it´s impossible to comprehend she´s no longer a phone call away.
I feel like I know so many on this website because Pamela continually told me how much she loved the people that made up her life. Someone she had unconditional love for was her dear niece. Pamela was unendingly proud and loved her so much.
I´m sure we´re all on the same journey as we confront our loss.
While Pamela was accepting of her own death, she worried about Randy.
Randy, I´m so sorry for your pain. Please reach out if you need anything.
Jennifer Raike
April 12, 2024
Pamela worked for my dad, Damon Raike. We loved her. She was always smiling and upbeat.
I am so sorry to learn of her passing.
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Ev
April 10, 2024
riding bikes along the lake front of Lake Michigan in Chicago when she was about 10 years old.
Rosemary Jalovaara
April 10, 2024
I had the honor of living next door
Pamela's sunshine was practically an every day gift.
Wendy Ledger
April 9, 2024
Pamela and I played a form of virtual Scrabble together for over ten years, almost every day. She was so great at it. I only won 30 percent of the time, but it was a pure joy to spend time with her. This is a great loss.
Eve Ruxton
April 9, 2024
Dearest Pamela, I shall miss our haircut sessions. We shared so much for so many years. I will miss out time together.
Marc Greenberg and Kim Munson
April 9, 2024
Our connection to Pamela was through our mutual love of Star Trek and all things Trek related. We had a great time some years ago at the Big Wow comics convention when we stood on a long line to get an autograph from William Shatner, the original Captain Kirk. She was a good soul and will be missed.
Jeanette Cook-Barrett
March 26, 2024
Pamela, I miss your smile and positive outlook in all things. May God grant you loving mercies beyond compare to those you'd offered so abundantly during your own life, purify your soul and sweep you into his loving arms. You remain in my daily Rosary and in so many prayers. I pray to see you again. In Jesus Holy Name.
Joanne Shwed
March 26, 2024
I knew Pamela briefly at the end of her life. I received an e-mail from her in July 2022, and she told me that she and Randy had been working on my crossword puzzle book for the last six years (they were finally done!) and wondered if I was working on a new book. She fanned the fire within me and ultimately helped create many of the clues for my second puzzle book. We had several lovely visits, and I enjoyed her company very much. Rest in peace, Pamela.
Clettis McManus
March 17, 2024
Pamela had a beautiful beautiful, hand writing. I kept all her letters she sent to me because her handwriting was so beautiful. Pamela was very very talented.
Daphne Sheldon
March 15, 2024
Pamela and I met at a mutual friend´s birthday party which, after an arranged luncheon date, led to a very close fifteen-year friendship. I tear-up when I think of her passing and miss her every day. We shared our joys and sorrows, always knowing that our advice to each other was from the heart and in the other´s best interest. Also, that our confidences were inviolable. Pamela was talented, extremely clever, dependable, and an amazing wordsmith. She edited two books for me.
My solace is in my belief that our death in this life does not conclude our ongoing existence. I am so certain I shall meet her after my own passing, in the next part of the journey.
Randy: Both Allen and I send our deepest condolences to you and our best wishes.
Daphne
Shelly Hosken
March 15, 2024
Shelly Hosken
March 15, 2024
Shelly Hosken
March 15, 2024
Shelly Hosken
March 15, 2024
Pamela was one of my dearest friends for over 35 years, and she was an integral part of almost my entire adult life. Over the course of that time, we shared our good times, triumphs, accomplishments, difficult times, troubles, and our frustrations. We shared our hearts with each other. Through it all, we always managed to have a good laugh at ourselves and at our situations, whatever it was.
True and lasting friendships only happen a few times in life if we´re lucky, and I am blessed enough to call her one of those types of dearest friends. How lucky I am! To say I´ll miss her beyond measure doesn´t begin to adequately convey my feelings.
To describe that she was valued for her empathy, acceptance, and loyalty is truly an understatement. She was always willing to listen and always thinking of others. In fact, the evening before she passed away, she sent me a note wishing my husband and me a Happy Anniversary, which was that day, and she apologized for not being able to send a card this year, and hoped I would understand. Just, wow. That´s who she was.
Dear Randy, she loved you immensely, and I cannot imagine the hole in your heart. There are so many wonderful things to remember about her, and she will be forever in your heart, my heart, and in the hearts of all who loved her. May she rest in peace and may you be comforted.
Clettis McManus
March 14, 2024
Pamela is really a cute girl and has a beautiful smile. I loved being with her she makes you happy being around her. I really miss her
The family won´t be the same without her.
She will be forever in our hearts.
alistair kenworthy
March 12, 2024
Pamela was one of my greatest friends and will miss her dearly. So many condolences and much love to Randy.....
Collette Mcmanus
March 11, 2024
Collette Mcmanus
March 11, 2024
Collette Mcmanus
March 11, 2024
Collette Mcmanus
March 11, 2024
I miss her loyalty as a dear friend. And sister. She adored Randy and I feel for his broken heart. I feel her presence when I see her favorite, the bird of paradise flowers. Life is not the same now. missing her so much.
Heather Charles
March 9, 2024
The first time I met Pamela was at the 90th birthday party of Randy's mother. She wrote and read the most beautiful poem about Clettis's life. Not only was it beautiful, it was so clever, as was Pamela! We immediatelly forged a friendship that day, and I will miss her so much. Pamela was smart, warm, and caring. We shared a love our kitties, and had many "cat" discussions! I will always remember her beautiful smile, calm voice, and wonderful penmanship! Her time here was far too short, and the world is a dimmer place since she has gone. My heart goes out to Randy in his loss.
Collette McManus
March 9, 2024
She was a Sister in law that made me feel welcomed into the family.We treasured our conversations and laughter. Our moments together and the luncheons with chocolate martinis. Her talented use of words in poetry and musical passion as a pianists will be missed. Most of all we were good friends.
clara garcia jay garcia
March 8, 2024
we will treasure you forever in our hearts
William R. Long
March 8, 2024
She and Randy and I shared many many movie nights over the past 18 years. I can't believe Pamela is gone. I will miss her true true friendship and all the nights standing on our balconies watching the sun set over the ocean. Sunsets will never be the same. Take care and say hi to all the angels you run into. Bill aka BFA
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