Pamela Ann "Pam" Paliga

Pamela Ann "Pam" Paliga, age 63 of Powell Ohio peacefully passed away surrounded by her family at Riverside Methodist Hospital on June 13, 2023. She had suffered a hemorrhagic stroke brought on by the breast cancer that she had been battling. Pam was born to Barbara & Charles James in Washington DC on October 17, 1959. As a child Pam lived in Forestville, Maryland, before moving with her family to Memphis TN, Greenville, SC, and then to Columbia, SC where she attended high school. After high school graduation, she attended the University of South Carolina prior to moving to Columbus, Ohio and entering the workforce. She met her soul mate Brian while working together at Parker in 1988. In 1990 they married and spent over 32 wonderful years together. Pam had an interest in helping people who had suffered injuries be able to resume life's daily activities. She pursued that by studying Occupational Therapy at the Ohio State University. In 1995 she received her Bachelor of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy and then worked as an Occupational Therapist in the Rehab Unit at Doctor's Hospital until 2001. She left the workforce in 2001 to devote her time and energy to a home ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) program for her autistic son, Andrew. Drew's wellbeing was her passion in life, and she would do whatever was needed for him to help him succeed. Pam was preceded in death by her father, Charles James. In addition to her husband of 32 years, Brian and son, Drew; Pam leaves behind her mom, Barbara James of Greenville, SC; sister, Donna (David) Jones of Greenville, SC; stepmother, Sandy James of Manning, SC; stepbrother, Robbie (Danny) Mathis of Lansing MI; stepsister, Anita Ladd of Charleston SC; aunts, uncles, brother & sister in-laws, numerous nieces and nephews and her beloved labradoodle Lucy. They will all deeply miss her smile, laugh and caring. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on August 12 at the Rutherford Funeral Home at Powell in Powell. Family and Friends may visit the hour prior. Throughout the last six years of her life, Pam received amazing care from the staff at the Stephanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center and at the Riverside Methodist Neurotrauma Unit. Our family is truly grateful for that care and will never forget those who provided it. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Stephanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center (https://cancer.osu.edu/locations/stefanie-spielman-comprehensive-breast-center) or to the Ohio State Center for Autism Services and Transition (https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/primary-care/adult-autism-center). .

Pamela Ann "Pam" Paliga

October 17, 1959 - June 13, 2023