Patricia Ann Wilson

Patricia Ann Wilson, known as “Pam,” was born on March 24th, 1943 in Calumet Michigan to Gordon and Kathleen (Kay) Messner. Pam moved from Michigan to Los Angeles, CA in 1959, where she would later give birth to her son, Scott, in 1964. Pam married the love of her life, Doug, in 1968. In 1972, Pam gave birth to her son, Mark, and together the family moved to Santee, CA. In 1979, the family was blessed with a daughter, Kasey. Pam was the quintessential mother, participating in everything from PTA, to volunteering to be room-mom. She was the best cheerleader for every water polo game, football game, or volleyball match, adopting many of her children’s friends as her own and chauffeuring from one sport to the next. Pam, alongside her daughter, enjoyed many volunteer opportunities and community events through their membership with the Sprites of East County organization. Many fond memories can be recalled of time spent around the dinner table, where her famous Breaded Italian Chicken was a frequent family favorite. Pam was the perfect wife and mother, always supporting and encouraging Doug and the children to follow their dreams, pushing them out of their comfort zone and being a safe space to land during their individual journeys.

Pam and Doug have become pillars in the community through their various affiliations with the Santee Lakeside Rotary, Santee Chamber of Commerce, and Padre Dam Water Board. Pam became the Director of the Miss Santee and Miss La Mesa pageants (1981-1996), then the Miss Greater San Diego Pageant (1996-2013), and ultimately Miss California USA (2013-2018). Pam was a pioneer of female camaraderie and empowerment, mentoring hundreds of young women through these pageants, encouraging them to become their best selves. Pam opened her heart and home to these young women, creating a community of strength, encouragement, confidence, leadership, and a sisterhood that will continue to grow and nourish young women for years to come. In addition to her commitment to mentorship and leadership, Pam enjoyed modeling and event coordination, working with various malls and philanthropic organizations to run fashion shows for entertainment and marketing.

Pam was loved by so many. She always knew how to brighten someone's day and make them feel loved and special. She treated everyone with kindness and respect. Her outlook on life was inspiring, always full of optimism and positivity. If you were lucky to spend more than five minutes in her presence, you were forever changed. As her family we feel honored to call her Wife, Mother, Sister, Nana, Aunt, and Friend.

In her last weeks, she spent time surrounded by family and friends and requested that Christmas decorations be put up in August, so she could live each day as her favorite holiday. She was warmed and humbled by the outpouring of love and support she received while she battled cancer over the last year. She passed away peacefully at home on August 17, 2022, surrounded by her family, who she loved so dearly.

Pam is survived by her husband: Doug Wilson, Children: Scott and Lisa Wilson, Mark and Kerri Wilson, Kasey and Jeremy English, Grandchildren: Ashley and Mike Mains, Sierra and Jake Olson, Tyler and Trevor Wilson, Sydnee Sparks, and Max and McKynzie English, Great-Grandchildren: Fallon and Montgomery Mains, Brother: Michael Messner, Niece: Lindsey Messner and Nephew: Dan Thale.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Santee Lakes on September 9th, at 9:00am. Pam was one-of-a-kind and special beyond words. While the void she leaves is vast, her legacy lives on in each of us and those she touched. We love you more.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Cancer Society.

https://donate3.cancer.org/?campaign=honormemorialpage

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.goodbodymortuary.com for the Wilson family.