Pamela Marie Carlino

In Loving Memory of Pamela Marie Carlino (nee Reinholm)
Pamela Marie Carlino (nee Reinholm), 60, of McHenry, Illinois, passed unexpectedly on February 6, 2025, in the loving arms of her mother, Sandra Reinholm, and alongside her beloved dog, Tow. After decades of fighting Multiple Sclerosis (MS), she succumbed to complications of the disease and its treatments.
Born on September 15, 1964, in McHenry, Pam is the beloved daughter of Sandra (Sandy) Ann Reinholm (nee Wirtz), 84, and John (Jack) Wallace Reinholm, deceased. Pam attended McHenry East Campus High School, where she played softball and basketball and competed in track and field. She graduated in 1982 and went on to Monmouth College. In college, Pam studied communications, was an honorary member of the Kappa Delta sorority, was the president of the little sister group for the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity, and competed in softball. She graduated in 1986.
All who have known Pam have also known Sandy's love for Pam. When Pam fell ill with an unknown condition while she was in college, later determined to be MS, Sandy quit her job to fight for Pam's life. She poured over medical journals and went as far as procuring medication from Germany yet to be approved in the United States, which ultimately saved her daughter's life. Sandy was a fierce advocate for Pam and even wrote letters of disdain to doctors who had not done enough during the incredibly difficult fight for a diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Pam showed this same strength, bravery, and determination and went on to participate in MS fundraising events, such as the MS bikeathons and walks.
Pam was a devoted teacher and caregiver, but above all, her greatest joy in life was being a mother. Pam and David married in 1990 and went on to have two daughters, Allison and Katie. When asked her favorite decade of life, she said her 30s because that was when she got to raise her daughters. Charlene Carlino never passes an opportunity to tell the story of how much Pam talked about her desire to have children, recalling Pam telling her "I want a baby" over and over and how excited Pam was to become a mom. Pam had to stop taking her life-saving MS medications in order to attempt to conceive and carry the pregnancies, which she was more than willing to do in exchange for the opportunity to become a mom. Although Pam and David divorced, they always came together in support of their daughters. Graduations, birthdays, sporting events, and walking Katie down the aisle are just a few of the many ways they were unified in the best interests of their children.
Pam was diagnosed with MS in her 20s, though she never let that limit her. She went out of her way to push the limits she was given, including completing her bachelor's degree, becoming a mother, and riding a motorcycle. Pam believed that her disability did not define her, and her example encouraged others to believe in themselves as well. She inspired her daughters through her own belief in herself. They will carry this legacy with them through the rest of their lives.
Pam touched the lives of many with her kindness, humor, generosity, fun-loving personality, and free spirit. She lived believing in the value of everyone she met and never said a negative word about anyone. Pam always had the best intentions and saw the good in others. Some of her favorite memories included attending ZBT parties at Monmouth College, fishing, camping, and spending time at the Carlino cabin. She shared a special bond with Vic Carlino, who also fought MS. We imagine they are together now, drinking Coronas, fishing, laughing, and enjoying each other's company. Pam and Charlene also shared a very special relationship and bond, which they maintained through Pam's last day.
Pam is survived by her mother, Sandy Reinholm; her daughter, Allison (Zach) Carlino; her daughter, Katherine (Matthew) Piotter; her grandchildren, J, Elliott, and Javion; her brothers, John and Noah Reinholm; her niece, Rachel Reinholm; her first cousin and first friend, Debra Rushbrook; her second cousin, Melisse Rushbrook and her daughter, Emily; her second cousin Matt Rushbrook; her cousin Jim Brown; her dog, Tow; and her cats, Happy, Chin, and Flynn, who will forever hold her love and memory in their hearts.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jack Reinholm; her grandmother, Celia Wirtz (nee Brown); her great-grandmother, Clara Brown (nee Stevenson); her grandfather, Alfonse Wirtz; her uncle, David Wirtz; and her college friend, Rick Gaska.
A celebration of life will be held; however, the date, time, and location have yet to be determined and will be announced at a later date. In honor of Pam, it is requested that donations be made to the MS society in lieu of flowers.
"God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference."
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Justen Funeral Home & Crematory, McHenry, IL For information, please call the Funeral Home at 815-385-2400, or visit www.justenfh.com, where friends and loved ones may share memories of Pamela on her tribute wall.