Pamela Joan Ittner

Pamela Joan Ittner departed her earthly life November 2, 2024, into the joyful and loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With a most gentle and loving spirit, Pam left the world and those she loved immeasurably better.
Pam was born on July 29, 1955, in Twentynine Palms, California, to Ernest and Claudette (Mundo) Ittner. As the daughter of a Marine, she developed an early love for travel, moving often and calling places along the East and West Coasts-and even Seoul, South Korea-home. Eventually, her family settled in Noel, Missouri, on a serene 200-acre farm, where Pam's passion for gardening took root and became a lifelong joy.
She earned her Bachelor of Science (Natural Science) from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri in 1976; Master in Computer Science from the University of Arkansas in 1983; and Master of Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma, Tulsa in 2005. Her adult life was spent in Kansas City, Atlanta and Tulsa before moving, and eventually retiring to the warmer clime of Citrus Springs, Florida.
Pam was equal parts logical as she was compassionate, working initially as a computer programmer analyst, and then devoting the second half of her career to helping children in foster care and guiding families as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her deep rooted passion for helping and healing others extended to her becoming a certified massage therapist, Reiki Master, aromatherapist, and hypnotherapist.
Pam loved every person and animal in an indescribable sense. She loved her rescue cats dearly, especially her cat Floyd, and considered them some of her sweetest companions. A natural empath, she supported numerous animal welfare organizations and domestic abuse shelters, and worked to inform herself about her community and local politics, doing her part to protect the earth and its natural resources.
She cherished every handwritten affirmation, photograph, and memory. A voracious reader and consummate journaler, she was beyond talented in putting her thoughts onto paper. Her passion for the arts shined through in her support of local community events and her interest in films. Her creative personality thrived when it came to anything Disney or Star Trek, a love shared with her adoring sister Renée.
Pam combined her love of gardening, inspired by her father, with her love of the culinary arts, inspired by her mother. She stayed connected with extended family through an often daily email thread where she shared her latest garden harvest or vegan home cooked meal. Pam loved getting her daily dose of "Vitamin D" by gardening, enjoying her pool, or taking day trips to walk the beach.
Her family remembers fondly summer gatherings on the farm, visits to dote on her nieces in South Carolina and two special trips she orchestrated: a July 29 cross-country trek to Twentynine Palms, California, to celebrate her 29th birthday; as well as her 50th birthday celebration that included her parents, sister, brother-in-law and nieces during the 50th anniversary of Disneyland. She took advantage of retirement to enjoy frequent cruises and family visits, including a trip in May to celebrate her niece's wedding.
Pam was baptized as a young adult in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). In her later years, Pam described growing closer to God, echoing the lifestyle of Gregor Mendel, as she pursued a more monk-like existence, enjoying each day at her own pace, talking to God, surrounded by the beauty of nature in the serenity of her backyard garden oasis.
Above all, Pam had the greatest love for her family, and showed the depths of her love through the great generosity of her gift giving. She would arrive at any family gatherings joyfully sharing delicious homemade organic baked goods along with herbs she had cultivated from her bountiful garden. Her nieces were the joy of her life and she demonstrated her love, no matter the distance.
Pam was predeceased by her father, Col. Ernest L. Ittner Jr., uncles Ivan Ittner and David Sullivan, and her beloved Aunt Carol Sullivan, whom she considered a guardian angel. She leaves behind her mother, Claudette Mundo Ittner; sister, Renée Ittner McManus (Ken); adored nieces, Caroline McManus and Callie Grace McManus Dunlap (David); Uncle Dwight Ittner (Barbara), and Aunt Linda Ittner, along with many beloved cousins.
The family gives all glory to God for Pam's life and for the faithful doctors and nurses of HCA Ocala-CVICU who worked diligently with her over the past month and showed a level of compassion and care that is difficult to put into words. Throughout this journey, Pam's sister, Renée, is eternally grateful that God allowed her these final few weeks to rekindle their sisterhood, remember good times, and have the opportunity to remind Pam how much she was loved.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to CASA (Citrus County Abuse Shelter Association, Inc.). Donations can be made online at casafl.org or checks can be mailed to:
CASA
PO Box 205
Inverness, FL 34451