Obituary: Pamela Joy Wait

Pamela Joy Wait, age 65 of Carlton, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2023 in the comfort of her home surrounded by family and friends after a brief battle with cancer.

She is survived by her daughter, Angela Loven (Joel Heaslip), sons, Gerald Novacinski and Jacob Loons (Zeb Petersen); her “man friend” of 17 years, Jim Schiff, who cared for her like a princess, and his daughter Lonna Leghart (Jonathan) and grandson Alexander; the absolute joys of her life, grandchildren Alex Loven, Jazzy Novacinski and Miller Novacinski; and many extended family members and beloved friends.

Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Mayon and Berneice Wait; infant sons, Jerry Lee and John James; and her precious granddaughter, Emma Jean.

Pam started working at a young age in order to make a place for her greatest joy, her children. She held a number of jobs in hospitality and at each place developed lasting connections with her customers and coworkers who became lifelong friends. Make no mistake she was dedicated to each task and took pride in her work whether it was stocking shelves, serving up drinks to thirsty golfers or bossing around coworkers.

Jim and Pam shared a love of camping and fishing trips to many places including Whiteface Reservoir, snowmobiling, golf, the occasional sledding outing under the power lines, and backyard bonfires to gather together with friends. Always up for an adventure, they would frequently take road trips to a local establishment or a neighboring state to visit friends and family. Wherever she went, Pam made friends out of strangers and memories out of everyday moments.

Pam loved to craft and work with her hands. She would sew quilts out of cast off old jeans, knit an endless amount of dishcloths, scarves and hats, and make wreaths out of anything that was available from pinecones to cedar boughs and princess pine. She had a variety of collections including agates, all things snowmen, photos, shoes and sweatshirts. And of course endless amounts of yarn and fabric! Her handiwork was sometimes sold to buy Christmas gifts, given as presents or donated to a benefit that she was helping organize.

The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice for their exceptional care.

At Pam’s request, friends and family are invited to gather to celebrate her life at Park Lake Grill & Saloon, Mahtowa from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, for a drink, just like old times.