Pamela Jo Solheim

Pamela Jo Sirmai Switzer Solheim, 77, was born on February 19, 1949, and after an intimate gathering of family, friends, music and love she passed away quietly on April 2, 2026. Her battle with Alzheimer's disease has ended. Were there ever to be a winner in this fight, she would have been the champion.. especially in some of these last weeks.

Pam was raised in South Minneapolis and graduated from Washburn High School in 1967, where she danced with the Millermates on the Washburn dance line, and formed many lasting friendships. She later attended the University of Minnesota, pursuing art.

Her introduction to Donavon Switzer in Winona, MN resulted in marriage and the of their daughter, Jennifer. During this time Pam moved from Winona to New Jersey and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, before eventually returning to Minneapolis. Life and circumstances brought Pam into a second marriage to George Solheim and another child, son Charley. Charley would go on to reward Pam & George with their much-loved grandson, Quentin.

Pam was a beautiful lady, inside an out. She could be serious but also sweet and she was funny too. She loved to laugh and was laughing nearly until the very end. These last laughs and smiles and sweet times were a gift to those of us able to share those times with her. It was rather unexpected and something we will be forever grateful for.. a true blessing. She was sassy, smart and wise. A wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. A good girl.

Pam loved music and would sometimes have her very own dance parties. From swoon singers to disco, jazz to movie soundtracks her musical tastes were varied and it wasn't unusual to see some, or all, of us caught up in singing sessions as well. She enjoyed gatherings around the pool at home with family and friends, cooking, planting, decorating and back in the day, voracious reading, sewing and art (sketching/painting).

As a wife she supported George as a pseudo cheerleader at his softball games when he used to play, was by his side doing the grunt work when they bought their home and remodeled it and enjoyed trips up north with him to fish and enjoy lake country. They were just as happy to sit around and talk to each other about anything and everything. They would have celebrated 46 years of marriage this upcoming April 19th!

As a mother and grandmother, Pam was fiercely dedicated and determined to do her best by everyone's sides. It wasn't always easy.. any mother will tell you that. She always showed us the straight and narrow path and forgave our wrongs time and again and celebrated our victories. Jen & Pam shared many a "fieldtrip" and many a road trip. These travels took them short distances to, say, the Farmer's Market or the Rose Garden. Road trips often ended in Cedar Rapids, IA to visit Jennifer's grandma and aunt and strange side trips, including The Surf Ball Room and The Spam Museum, were always on the agenda! Alma, WI & Winona, MN were among other favorites.

Charley & Pam had a tight bond as mother and son and shared a fondness for music and movies. They also had an affinity for antique shops, Mom's homemade kosher dill pickles and talking for hours. Pam loved and adored her only grandchild, Quentin, and treasured the times they could see one another. She was a huge presence in his life, especially when he was a young boy. Trips to kid museums, zoos and more created memories we will treasure as life goes on.

As a friend.. Pam had a small, but tight, group of friends. When you include family members who considered her a friend as well (Jen would consider her among her best friends) her number of friends multiplied. Friends of her children even considered her a friend. Her actual girlfriends were friends of hers from grade school... Lynn & Lynn, Julie & Candy. Imagine!

That is 65+ years of friendship. Especially tight, Lynn Seltz & Lynn Barron were there these last weeks and that is a testament to love among friends and strength through those bonds.

Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Pauline (Johnson) Sirmai and Edward Sirmai; her brother, Gregory Sirmai; and her sister, Barbara (Peterson) Sirmai.

She is survived by her husband, George; her daughter, Jennifer (William Jones); and her son, Charley and grandson, Quentin.

Memorials can be made to an organization of your choosing, should you wish to pursue that.

Pam herself gave to the ASPCA, St. Jude, Shriner's, Wounded Warriors & the Salvation Army. An intimate celebration of life and the sharing of memories and pictures is the works!

Oh, Miss Pam... wife, mom, grandma, friend.. It is a joy to know that you are in that peaceful place with those you have missed for a long time.. family, friends, pets. Thinking of what you're doing up there makes us smile, even though having to miss you down here is the price. Rest easy. We love you and we will see you later.. that is a promise. ~Us