Pamela M. Evans

June 9, 1943 - June 20, 2021

Pamela Maida Evans, 78, of Traverse City passed away June 20, 2021 at her home with her family by her side after a valiant battle with cancer. Pam was born on June 9, 1943 to the late Woodrow L. and Bertha A. (Affeld) Emling in Detroit. Growing up in Royal Oak and graduating from Dondero High School in 1961, Pam enjoyed working at Sanders malt shoppe and cruising Woodward . On September 18, 1964, Pam married her high-school sweetheart and best friend, William “Bill” Evans at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. They met on the ski team, and spent 60 years helping one another traverse life's adventures. Pam attended Central Michigan and ultimately earned her bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University. She was an educator and spent her career helping young people be more active, physically, and also in their communities. In her free time she enjoyed playing tennis and golf, participating in the church choir and bible study, and decorating; finding the perfect interior touches, planting colorful flowers in the garden, and painting the front door a new color whenever the spirit moved her. Bill and Pam spent summers with their toes in the sands of Higgins Lake, starting with summer jobs at the Hotel Burdell, and briefly lived on the lake full time when they retired. They found themselves being "mysteriously" drawn to Traverse City, after the birth of their first grandchild here, and soon settled into their "Treehouse" in The Bluffs surrounded by beautiful nature and amazing neighbors. Pam will be remembered for her deep love for her family, her award winning shopping skills, and her sharp wit and beautiful smile. Pam was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Cheryl Gross (who welcomed her into heaven with a cold martini) and an infant daughter, Emilie. Pam is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Bill; daughters Tami (Brenda Smith) Evans and Jodi (Eric) Kucera; grandchildren Rileigh Kucera, Becket Evans Foster and Porter Kucera and many wonderful friends including Kathy Frank and Lynn Bowdin, and adorable cuddle creature, Ginger Evans. The memorial service celebrating Pam’s life will be held on Saturday, July 31st, at 10:30am at the First Congregational Church. With a gathering to follow at "The Treehouse" 3104 Ogidaki Trail, Traverse City, MI - where friends are encouraged to come and share stories and memories over drinks and refreshments. Memorial contributions in her honor may be directed to Hospice of Michigan (https://www.hom.org/donations/) or to the Garden of Remembrance at the First Congregational Church (https://fcctc.org/give).