Pamela McCullen Ortiz

Born on December 14, 1945, in Faison, North Carolina, Pam was the daughter of Cecil and Velma McCullen. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband of 45 years, Gotardo Ortiz, and her siblings, Dewey and Sybil McCullen (Hal). She is lovingly remembered by her son, Maximilian (Alexandra), her sister-in-law, Caroline McCullen (wife of the late Dewey), and a cherished circle of nieces, nephews, extended family, and canine companions.

Before settling in New Orleans, Pam attended both the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Chapel Hill. She later pursued a career in Fashion Merchandising at the prestigious Tobe-Coburn School of Fashion in New York. During her time in the city, she worked as an assistant buyer at Macy's Herald Square. Growing up with a mother known for her bold, sometimes flamboyant fashion choices was an early influence that helped shape her into the impeccably stylish woman she became.

In 1972, Pam and her husband Goty moved from Memphis to New Orleans, a city that would become the backdrop for the next chapter of their lives. It was here, in this new and unknown place, that Pam began to lay the foundations of a life filled with family, lasting friendships, and a legacy she would cherish. Pam would continue her education at Tulane University and obtain a Paralegal Certification, a field in which she worked until her retirement.

In 1978, Pam and Goty welcomed their son Max into the world, and it wasn't long before she earned the title of "cool mom," a reputation solidified with Max's friends and girlfriends alike. Always the life of the party, Pam had an infectious energy that lit up every room she entered. Anyone lucky enough to meet her couldn't help but be drawn in by her warmth, humor, and joy. Even while on full-time oxygen, she could still be found on the dance floor-showing off moves that easily rivaled those half her age!

Pam's deepest passion, however, was music - a lifelong love that began in childhood, singing in the Faison Presbyterian Church Choir. Her musical journey continued as she lent her voice to the Idlewild Presbyterian Church Choir in Memphis, the Jefferson Performing Arts Society Civic Chorus in New Orleans, and later, the choir at St. Patrick's Cathedral. It was at St. Patrick's where she discovered a special fondness for the beauty and tradition of Latin Masses, which profoundly resonated with her.

As the years passed, she nurtured relationships through bridge games, cosmopolitans, and Book Club outings - bonds that remained strong throughout her life, with many of those dear friends standing by her side until her final days.

Her ashes will be laid to rest in the McCullen family plot in Faison, North Carolina, during a private ceremony. A local Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to honor and remember her vibrant spirit.

In lieu of flowers, the Ortiz family kindly requests that donations be made in Pam's memory to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org