Pamela Jean Curtis "Pam" Wentworth

VASSALBORO -- Surrounded by loved ones, Pamela (Pam) Jean Curtis Wentworth, 58, known as "the heart of her family," passed away on Monday, Dec. 27, 2010, ending her courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. Her life was one unselfishly devoted to her family, friends and community.

Daughter of Flora and Fredrick Curtis Sr. of Prentiss, she was born on May 21, 1952, in Winterport. Pam was the middle child of seven children: sisters, Diana Roy, Carol Raymond, Sandra Phinney, Tammy Hersom, Belinda Raymond, and brother, Fredrick Curtis Jr. Pamela had a close bond to her siblings. It never failed that the Curtis Girls were up to something, living by the family motto "loving and living in the moment." Though for the "greater good," it was never long before the girls were dragging the family, their communities, and anyone else they could get their hands on into their latest passion. Pam never refused anyone in need.

Pam had a tireless, almost relentless, commitment to bettering the lives of others, even throughout the days of her illness. This culminated in being the 2010 recipient of the REM (Revitalize the Energy in ME) Community Award. The ceremony, to be held Jan. 15 at the Waterville Opera House, honors those who consistently contribute to the community through leadership, volunteerism, optimism and kindness of spirit. Pamela was truly a person who emitted a steady beacon of friendliness and compassion that warmed everyone she touched, a person described as having a "good heart." This was undoubtedly our daughter, sister, mother, aunt, wife, friend and colleague -- our Pam. Of all of her charitable and community activities, Maine's Children's Home was the closest to her heart. Pam served as past president and secretary of the 'Friends of' focusing on bettering the lives of children and young expectant mothers. Pam hoped one day to become a foster parent and often spoke of running a preschool.

Pam studied history and English at the University of Maine, in Orono and Machias, where she consistently made the Dean's List. A 1970 graduate of Lee Academy, she was a member of the National Honor Society, Girl's State, captain of the Majorettes and voted Senior Prom Queen. She devoted 37 years of her career to the law firm of Marden, Dubord, Bernier and Stevens in Waterville as a paralegal and legal assistant and involved herself in the National Association of Legal Secretaries. The firm became a second family to her. Though she considered everyone a friend, it was there she met the "bookends." Pam shared countless laughs with dearest friends Pamela Gilbert and Natalie Brooks, who ended her battle with cancer in September 2009.

Pam married Paul Wentworth, also of Vassalboro, in 1977. Of her life's many achievements, Pam considered her children to be the greatest; daughter Fawn Wentworth and son Forest Wentworth, both currently of Orono. Nothing gave her more joy than to support and celebrate the successes of her children and friends. She lived for her children and rejoiced in the birth of her grandchild, Brooke Lynn Wentworth, daughter of Forest and Nykki Moody. The bond between Brooke Lynn and her "Meme," who has 'gone to the sky' defines love in its purest form. After her divorce in 2000, her high school and college sweetheart, Wallace Alexander of Winslow, reentered her life. It became, and always will be, a family of seven.

She is described by others as a "rare gem," preferably an emerald for her love of green. Multifaceted, caring and compassionate. People were drawn to her through her overwhelmingly positive outlook on life. As a diehard Red Sox fan, and devout lover of the ocean, it never failed that if you "couldn't find her" she was either at Fenway or the cottage in Harpswell, enjoying the simple pleasures of this life with her family. Her life was a journey which was enjoyed and lived to the fullest.

Pam is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She left an inexhaustible list of friends, a true tribute to the person she chose to be. She was predeceased by her younger brother, Ricky Allan Curtis, 1958; as well as her grandparents; and many other beloved elders and friends of the family.

As a tribute to her and her love of spring, a celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2011, which would have been her 59th birthday, at the former Oak Grove Chapel in Vassalboro. Though open to all that loved her, feel free to RSVP to inmemoryofpamelawentworth@gmail.com. In lieu of cards or flowers, please send donations in her memory to the Maine Children's Home, 93 Silver St., Waterville, ME 04901.

Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 107 Main St., Fairfield; (800) 660-2111.