Pamela A. VanSlyke

Pamela A. VanSlyke, 61, of Middleville, NY and formerly of Dolgeville, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning, December 5, 2021 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica, New York several days after emergency surgery.

She was born on June 9, 1960 in Binghamton, New York and was the daughter of the late, John and Vita (Rando) Heath. Pamela and her parents moved to the Middleville area while Pam was a child. She attended West Canda Central School and graduated with the Class of 1978.

On July 16, 1987, Pamela was united in marriage to Scott A. VanSlyke in Poland, New York. The couple shared a union of 34 years together.

While working and raising her family, Pam attended Herkimer County Community College where she earned an Associate’s Degree in Psychology, Utica College where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Grand Canyon University where she earned her Master’s Degree in Addiction Counseling.

Pam was employed for the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, formerly known and NYSDSO, as a developmental aide at the Van Buren Street, Dolgeville, New York home, as well as the RCIL as a home healthcare aide. She worked for the NYSOPDD for 22 years until her retirement in 2019. Pam never truly retired. She worked 7 days a week and continued to work for the RCIL, where Pam enjoyed helping, working with and forming special bonds with all of her clients who will miss her dearly.

Her memberships include her leadership, membership and advocacy for Alcoholics Anonymous at the Gansvoort Street and the South Main Street groups in Little Falls, New York. Pam also enjoyed fishing, knitting, taking walks in the woods, being near any type of water and she had a love of cats as well. Her relationships with her family and friends will be cherished forever as she will be deeply missed by them.

Pam is survived by her husband, Scott A. Allen of Middleville, NY; two sons, John VanSlyke and his wife, Jennifer of Dolgeville, NY and Thomas Kilgore and his wife, Victoria Aslou, stationed with the U.S. Air Force in Anchorage, AK; three cherished grandchildren, Evelyn West, Xayden VanSlyke, and Ayra VanSlyke; her mother-in-law, Jeanne Wilson of Little Falls, NY; an aunt, Elizabeth Hollenbach of Endicott, NY; and close friends, Tina Shaffer and Mike Denmark, Linda Skibinski, Evie Cruz, Bertha Anderson, and Angela Edith-Vetal.

She was predeceased by her parents, John and Vita Heath.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Dolgeville Rod and Gun Club, Peckville Road, Dolgeville, New York 13329. The family will share with memories, food and music to honor the life of Pam. All are welcome to attend.

The family is being cared for by Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York.

Please consider memorial contibutions for Pam's family. 

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