Pamela J. Williams-Hackenschmidt

Pamela Williams Hackenschmidt went to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 24, 2016 in Kennewick, WA, after a courageous six year battle with ovarian cancer. Pam passed quietly while in the company of family and friends.

Pamela Williams was born in Yakima, June 29th 1952 to parents Raymond and Phyllis Williams (Rusk), the youngest of four children. After graduating from Highland High School in Cowiche, Washington, Pam enrolled in Beauty School. After finishing Beauty School, she cut and styled hair for several years before her love of fashion led her into modeling. Pam put her modeling career on hold to get married and start a family. She moved with her young family to Kennewick in 1976.

Upon having her own children, she realized her true passion was taking care of infant babies. Pam became a full time licensed foster parent for the State of Washington in 1979. She specialized in infant care for abused babies as well as babies going through neonatal withdrawals. From 1979, until her battle with cancer began in 2010, Pam cared for over three hundred foster babies during her thirty year career.

She had the wonderful gift to patiently work with each infant who came under her care. While raising her own children and working full time as a foster parent, Pam earned her degree in Early Childhood Development.

More than anything, Pam enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She raised five children who she adored and cherished. Pam also enjoyed cooking, especially at the holidays when she would make a gourmet feast for loved ones. Other things that brought Pam joy included gardening, music, fashion, exercising and going to see movies. She was a wealth of knowledge for all things related to raising children and was often sought out for advice by those who knew her. Her sharp wit and warm engaging laugh will be greatly missed by those who had the chance to spend time with her.

Pam is survived by her beloved husband of ten years, Vic Hackenschmidt, of Pasco and her five children Kris Kosik, Kyle Kosik, Keith Kosik, Chelan Westland and Isaac Westland. Pam is survived by ten grandchildren that absolutely love their precious ‘Nana.’ Pam is survived by her brother Mike Williams and her sister Pat Yergen. Pam was preceded in death by mother Phyllis Williams, her father Raymond Williams, brother Rudi Williams and nephew Teddy Yergen.

A Memorial Service in her honor will be held Saturday May 7th, 2016, 1:00 pm at Langevin Funeral Home, Yakima.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ovarian Cancer Together. This a wonderful support group who Pam was very endeared to during her six years as an ovarian cancer survivor: http://www.ovariancancertogether.org/Pages/Tricities.aspx.