With profound sadness, but immense gratitude for the beautiful life she lived, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Pamela Jean Villemaire—a devoted mother, cherished Memere, United States Army veteran, and the heart of her family.
Pam was born on August 23, 1956, in Springfield, Massachusetts, She is the daughter of Gail (Bissonnette) Theroux and William C Theroux. She was raised in Western Massachusetts and graduated from Hopkins Academy.
Pam lived life exactly the way she wanted—with kindness, generosity, fierce loyalty, unmatched sass, and never a shortage of opinions. If she loved you, you knew it. If she disagreed with you… you definitely knew it. She never met a stranger, could turn anyone into a friend with a simple, “Hi, Honey,” and if there was a good story to tell, chances are Pam knew it first. She loved to laugh, loved to talk, wasn’t afraid to tell you exactly what she thought, and somehow always made people feel loved while doing it.
Before dedicating herself to raising her family, Pam proudly served her country as a medic in the United States Army. Her servant’s heart continued throughout her life as a paraprofessional in the Amherst, Chicopee, and South Hadley Public School Systems before becoming an advocate and home manager for individuals reentering society following the closure of Belchertown State School. Caring for others wasn’t simply what she did—it was who she was.
Pam’s kitchen was the heartbeat of her home. She was an incredible cook… unless she was making pumpkin soup. Around her table there was always enough food for one more, a few cocktails, plenty of laughter, and conversations that somehow solved the world’s problems—or occasionally caused a few. Some of our family’s most treasured memories were made sitting around that table.
Affectionately known as the Queen of Pink, Pam surrounded herself with the color she loved so much. It reflected exactly who she was—warm, vibrant, beautiful, and just a little sassy.
Nothing, however, brought her greater joy than being “Mom” and, even more proudly, “Memere.” Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the center of her world. She celebrated every milestone, spoiled them every chance she got, and somehow made every child feel like they were her favorite.
After retiring with the love of her life and best friend, Jim, Pam found her happy place by the ocean. The warm sun, salty breeze, and rhythmic sound of the waves brought her peace.
Pam was predeceased by her beloved husband and best friend, James “Jim” Villemaire; her cherished mother, Gail (Bissonnette) Theroux; her father, William Theroux; her younger brother, Joseph “Joey” Theroux; and her nephews, Eric and Patrick Theroux.
She leaves behind her loving children: her devoted daughter and daughter-in-law, Messina and Shannon Riley of South Hadley; her son, Trent Villemaire of Chicopee; and her son, James “Trip” Harper and his wife, Dominique, of Chicopee.
She is also survived by her brother, Stephen Theroux and his wife, Monique, of Florida; her beloved niece, Sarah Theroux and her partner, Jeremy, of Chicopee; her cherished “seester-in-love,” Darlene Theroux; her little butterfly, Allison Rose, of Chicopee; and her nephew, Adam Theroux; her dear friends in Florida—Linda, Carolyn, Mike, and Trent—along with many extended family members and treasured friends throughout Massachusetts and Florida.
But Pam’s greatest legacy lives on through the people she loved most—her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Stephen; Anthony (“Nini Man”) and his fiancée, Abby; Peyton (“Prissass”); Dustin and his partner, Taylor; Nate; Sean (“Sean-Sean”) and his partner, Molly; Deja; Ant; Joe; Drew (“Drewdles”); Brayden (“Bean”); Jadyn (“Jay-Jay”); Taylor; Avaree; Jaiden; Dilyn (“Dilly”); Izzabella; Bella (“Bella-Boo”); Arlo; Gabbriella; Conner; Lincoln; Amelia; Sophia (“Sophia Rose”); Julia; Bryson (“Peanut”); Jaelyn; and Zadrian (“Lil Man”), along with one more precious great-grandbaby due this January—a blessing she was so excited to loudly share with everyone just two days before her passing.
Although our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing her love lives on—in every family recipe lovingly prepared, every splash of pink that catches our eye, every ocean breeze, every shared laugh, every crowded dinner table, and every bit of “tea” spilled. If you ever walked through Pam’s front door, you became family. There was always room at her table, always enough food for one more, and always enough love and laughter to make you feel like you belonged.
Cancer may have written the final chapter of Pam’s life, but it will never be the story we tell. Instead, we will remember her heart of gold, her spicy personality, her fierce love for her family, her famous “Hi, Honey,” her colorful opinions, and the remarkable way she made complete strangers feel like lifelong friends. She courageously fought cancer, and today we choose to believe she rang that bell as she entered Heaven, healthy, whole, and finally at peace.
If you see something pink, hear the waves crashing along the shore, hear a little piece of gossip, or gather around a table filled with good food and the people you love, think of Pam… because that’s exactly where her heart will always be.
She was, and forever will be, our Mom, our Memere, and our heart. Our world will never quite be the same without her.
Mom always believed family wasn’t just who you were born to—it was everyone you loved along the way. Whether you walked through her front door for the first time or the hundredth, you were greeted with a warm “Hi, Honey,” a full plate, and a place in her heart.
And if you’re wondering what Mom would say about all of this… she’d probably tell us to stop crying so much, celebrate a life filled with love, pour another cocktail, make sure everyone gets something good to eat… and then she’d light a cigarette, lean in, and ask,
“So… did you hear the latest?”
A Celebration of Pink
In honor of Pam, our beloved Queen of Pink, the family kindly invites everyone attending her services to wear pink—or simply add a touch of pink to their attire. We think she would absolutely love looking out and seeing a sea of pink celebrating a life so beautifully lived, rather than simply mourning a life that has ended.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2026 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee.
Committal Prayers and Military Honors will be rendered on Monday, August 3, 2026 at 9:00 AM in the Chapel of the MA Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam.
For online condolences, please visit www.GriseFH.com.