Pamela Lynne Spoto was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on June 29, 1947, to Frank Spoto and Elaine (Tod) Motquin Spoto.
When the family moved to Chicago, Illinois, in 1952, Pam was enrolled in Holden Elementary School. A branch of Kelly High School shared the building with Holden, so Pam was able to take some high school classes while still in elementary school. After being double promoted, Pam graduated from elementary school in just seven years. She continued this pace and graduated high school in three years, at age sixteen.
She was a member of the National Honor Society and earned an Illinois State Scholarship which paid her tuition, books, and fees as she attended DePaul University while working part-time.
Upon graduating from DePaul, Pam was assigned to Armour Elementary School as their kindergarten teacher. She continued as the kindergarten teacher at this school and in the same classroom for over 35 years. During her tenure she taught three generations of some families. She also took evening and summer classes and became certified as a teacher for the deaf.
Pam was honored with the Kate Maremont Award for excellence in teaching — an award given to just one teacher each year. The award accompanied a $1,000 stipend and allowed her to register tuition free over that summer at the University of Chicago. Other summers and school vacations afforded Pam the opportunity to travel across the United States and Europe. She continued her education with Italian classes and cooking classes.
Upon retirement in 2003 Pam was recognized by President George W. Bush, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, and the Chicago City Council.
The following year Pamela moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin where she continued her journey as a “cradle to grave” Episcopalian by joining St. Matthew Episcopal Church. She was godmother to Jeffrey Collins, Michael Bandemer, and Dominic Demma. During retirement, Pamela continued attending the opera in Chicago, traveled, served as a volunteer docent at the Kenosha Public Museum, and volunteered for many activities at St. Matthew, serving as a member and president of the Mary-Martha’s.
Pamela leaves behind two older sisters, Barbara Collins and Judith Demma, and a younger brother, Frank. She will be missed by nephews and nieces Jeffrey (Tammie) Collins, Karen (Greg) Angeles, Frank (Kelly) Collins, and Richard (Cindy) Demma, as well as many grand nieces and nephews, dozens of cousins, and many good friends.
Pamela’s primary goals in life were to love and serve God, educate children, and provide care to her parents in their last years. Her success provided comfort to her in her last days.
Pamela was eager to answer the call of God on October 6th, 2023. Services for Pamela will be held at the church on Saturday, October 28th, 2023, at 1 P.M. A visitation with the family will take place at the church from 12 to the time of the service. Her cremains will be entombed in the St. Matthew Columbarium in Kenosha.
