Pamela Mary Doud Delaney, born July 10, 1942 to Frank J. and Agnes D. Doud, the oldest of a set of identical twins.
Pam was born in Norristown, PA and raised in Fort Lauderdale, FL. In 1960 after graduating from St. Thomas Aquinas High School she attended Florida State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Government with a minor in Spanish. Pam graduated in 1964 with the hope of joining the Foreign Diplomatic Corps. Pam excelled in school, dedicating herself to her studies and an inspiring list of awards and extracurricular activities notably; Alpha Chi Omega sorority, Sophomore Council, Junior Counselor, Garnet Key, Synchronized Swimming Team, officer and team member, Newman Club, Young Democrats, Senior Class Senator and was Elected to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, 1963-64. Upon graduation Pam returned to Pennsylvania with her twin sister, Phyllis, to work for the Democratic Committee in Norristown before becoming caseworkers at the Department of Public Assistance. Pam went onto work as a caseworker at the Norristown State Hospital and continued to work as she pursued a graduate degree. She graduated from Rutgers, the State University, with a Masters in Social Work in 1969.
Pam met the love of her life, James Patrick Delaney, in 1965. They were married at Our Mother of Good Council Catholic Church on June 1, 1968. In January 1972, Pam and Jim moved their family to Indiana, Pa. where Jim joined his brother Jack Delaney in the automotive business.
During these initial years in Indiana, Pam remained at home and focused on raising four children, Pamela Michele, Mary Christine, James Patrick Jr. and Sheila Kathleen. Throughout this time, she was active in her community as a member of the Newcomer’s Club and the Junior Women’s Civic Club. Pam also devoted her time to St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic church as a member of the choir, singing every Sunday at 10 AM Mass.
When her children were older, Pam returned to work at the Indiana Hospital as a Social Worker supporting patients and families with discharge planning. Seeking a schedule more conducive to family life, Pam left the hospital to work as the Attendance Officer at the Indiana Junior High School. Pam brought her insight and advocacy to this role and saw the opportunity to support children’s attendance in school beyond delivering a late slip. Always looking to use her strengths and advocate for others, she wrote a grant that created her future position, “At Risk Program Counselor” for the Derry Area School District. Pam positively impacted the Derry community through her focus on at risk students and their families. Pam saw the value in every student and worked to identify the challenges each one faced, advocating for solutions to support them in their pursuit of an education. Pam balanced the needs of these students while joining the VNA Family Hospice Team in 1990.
Pam worked as a Social Worker with VNA Family Hospice and Palliative Care of Indiana County for over 20 years. Pam’s family marveled at her ability to counsel and support her terminally ill patients and their families while continuing to be the supportive wife and mother to her own family. In 2005 she was named Indiana County Health Care Worker of the Year. In explaining how she managed the emotionally difficult work she would say, “I know I can’t fix the situation, but I can make it better.”
In addition, Pam was an active member of the community giving her time to the Indiana Hospital Auxiliary, Junior Women’s Civic Club, Mother’s March of Dimes, American Cancer Society and Parents Anonymous acting as a board member.
The role of her lifetime was being the gentle, patient Mother to her children. Alongside her husband Jim, they raised Michele, Christine, Jim and Sheila. Pam provided constant support, encouragement and a calm reassuring presence in their lives. She was an involved supporter of their activities, acting as a Girl Scout Leader, Member and Officer of St. Bernard’s School Parent Teacher Guild, serving as Vice President, Secretary and Trustee and on committees at the Indiana Junior High School, Citizens Advisory Board, Cheerleader advisor as well as Band Boosters and After Prom Committee at the Indiana Area Senior High School.
Her greatest pleasure came from the time spent with family at the dinner table, during game nights, traveling, attending Notre Dame football games, dancing at numerous family weddings and rocking newborns. She had the magic touch with babies and delighted in holding her grandchildren and grand-nieces and nephews.
She encouraged her children to pursue education and professions. Her husband Jim likes to say that Pam “earned degrees with her children at Saint Mary’s College, University of Notre Dame, Widener School of Law, DePaul University, University of San Diego Law School and the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business.” She set a high bar as a role model balancing family and career as a working Mother. In her career she exemplified compassion and advocacy for children and those less fortunate and embodied the advice she always gave, “Your gifts are God’s gift to you, what you do with those gifts is your gift to God. Use your gifts.”
She was preceded in death by her parents, Agnes D. and Frank J. Doud.
Pam is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, James P. Delaney; her children, Michele (Brendan Peterson), Duncansville, PA, Christine (Michael Kennedy) Wyndmoor, PA, Jim (Maria) Carlsbad, CA. and Sheila, Chicago, IL; nine grandchildren, Andrew Kennedy, Ava Delaney, Matthew Kennedy, Jack Finn Peterson, Quinn Delaney, Thomas Kennedy, Declan Peterson, Fiona Delaney and Maeve Peterson; her sisters, Phyllis D. Kent (Thomas) Bryn Mawr, PA and Sheila D. Henry (Michael) Chestnut Hill, PA; brothers and sisters-in-law and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
Family and Friends will be received on Friday May 10, 2019 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bowser-Minich Funeral Home in Indiana, PA. Mass will be celebrated on Saturday May 11, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Roman Catholic Church in Indiana. Interment will be made in St. Bernard Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations are being accepted in Pam’s name at VNA Family Hospice 850 Hospital Road, Suite 3000, Indiana PA 15701.
