Pamela Ann Shanahan

Pamela Ann Shanahan, of Lake Oswego, Oregon, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025, at the age of 71, surrounded by her loving family and friends after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Pam was born in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, on December 3, 1954, to Marilyn (Miller) Lynch and David Domann. She grew up in Middleburg Heights, where her warm personality and social nature made her a beloved presence among friends and classmates. She graduated from Midpark High School in 1973.

Pam's first marriage was to Dan Sickels, and together they welcomed their son Jack in 1980. In 1984, she married the love of her life, Michael Shanahan. Together, they built a home in Lake Oswego, Oregon, where they welcomed their daughter Laura in 1985. Pam and Michael shared four decades filled with adventure, deep affection, and a sense of fun that never faded. They traveled widely, savored new foods and great wine, danced, and famously brought down the house with their karaoke rendition of "Shaft." Michael made her laugh every day; she brought light and momentum to his life; and together they created a partnership marked by loyalty, tenderness, and true joy.

Pam devoted many years to her profession as a nurse at Kaiser Sunnyside Hospital in Clackamas and later expanded her career at Medtronic. Colleagues knew her for her warm smile, professionalism, and genuine compassion for those in her care.

As a mother to Jack and Laura, and stepmother to Alexis, Pam poured her heart into raising her children. She gave Laura great haircuts growing up, stood on the sidelines of muddy soccer fields, listened to Jack's trumpet practice, and navigated Laura's teenage years with patience and grace. She was always there to listen and offer thoughtful advice. Her home was a hub of family life-hosting dinners, roasting Thanksgiving turkeys, and laughing as Alexis and Jack danced to Whitney Houston in the living room. And always, in the background, was the soft sound of her humming in the kitchen-one of the many small, comforting rhythms that defined life with her.

When she became "Glamma," her world grew even brighter. Pam adored her grandchildren-Colby, Ava, Bailey, Eli, Henry, and Arthur-and celebrated each of them with pride. Whether she was taking them on little adventures, cheering from the sidelines, or surprising them with treats and treasures, she delighted in being part of their lives. To them, she was magic. As her granddaughter Ava once declared, she was "The World's Best Glamma."

Pam was also a cherished sister to Tom, David, Michael, Mark, Brian, and Tim, the beloved only sister in a big, lively family. As the eldest, she helped care for her brothers growing up and remained a valued confidante, storyteller, and peacemaker throughout their adulthood. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Her life was rich with friendships across Ohio, Arizona, and Oregon. Pam had a remarkable ability to make friends wherever she went. She was an enthusiastic participant in pickleball, golf, Ladies Night, book and investment clubs, hiking, biking, birdwatching, and countless social gatherings. Her positivity was contagious, and her presence brought warmth and energy to every circle she joined.

Pam will be remembered for her radiant smile, her boisterous laugh, her humming in the kitchen, and her profound love for the people in her life. She was the great uniter-always traveling to family, welcoming others in, and ensuring that those she loved stayed connected.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Michael Shanahan; her children Jack Sickels (Jesse) of Tillamook and Laura Premo (Sean) of Happy Valley; her stepdaughter Alexis Shanahan (Eric) of Boise; her beloved grandchildren; her mother Marilyn Lynch; her brothers Tom, David, Michael, Mark, Brian and Tim; and her extended family and dear friends.

Pam's legacy lives on in the many people whose lives she touched so deeply. She is forever loved, forever remembered, and forever missed.

A Celebration of Life will take place in February 2026.