Pamela Susan Saalbach
July 17, 1953 – September 10, 2019
Pamela Susan Saalbach
17 July 1953 – 10 September 2019
Pamela’s dynamic personality and innate sense of fairness were displayed across her many talents which included a gorgeous singing voice, mastery of guitar, banjo, and dulcimer, and detailed costume design. The wedding dress she wore when she married her loving husband Mark Schleicher in 1984 was handmade and precisely fashioned based upon a photograph of her grandmother’s wedding attire.
Pamela absorbed and deeply appreciated the distinctive characteristics of the many places she lived, not only in the U.S., but also many years in Japan and Singapore. Pamela’s curiosity led her to research local cuisine, gardening, art and music, and HAM radio. She freely shared her diverse knowledge with friends, hobby and professional groups.
Pamela sang in choruses in Waldorf and Annapolis, Maryland and in local folk music groups. Pamela, along with her sweet dog Farley, volunteered with a search and rescue group.
Although she was open to new ideas, she guarded her privacy by creating quiet spaces in her life.
Preceded in death by her parents, William F. and Betty P. Saalbach, Pamela was raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Washington and Jefferson College with an art history major and a minor in mathematics. Pamela’s far-flung extended family will miss sharing thoughts with her. Along with her husband Mark Schleicher, she leaves behind her sister Christine B. Saalbach and a niece Margaret Ann Martin both of San Antonio, Texas, and brother Frederick P. Saalbach of Reno, Nevada.
Organizations dear to Pamela:
The Tibetan Nuns Project https://tnp.org
Chesapeake Choral Society http://www.chesapeakechoral.com/
Calvert K-9 Search Team http://www.calvertk9search.org/
Annapolis Choral http://liveartsmaryland.org/
Condolences
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Dear Mark,
I was very sad to hear of Pamela’s passing. I considered her a good friend, and would meet her for lunch several times a year. She was a kind soul, and I confided in her, even at our first luncheon.
CCAS Choir member Sarah McBurney
Mark —
Once again, both Marilyn and I are sorry for your loss. Pamela was always a good friend and an extraordinary person. We will miss her.
What I remember most about Pamela is that she was always trying to broaden her horizon. When you guys were in the Orient, I remember how she took up volunteer projects that brought her closer to the culture of the places where you lived. No matter when I talked to her, I was amazed at some new interest — anything from dress-making through musical instruments and special purpose dog training. When she and you joined us in Las Vegas during one of my cable industry business trips, I remember her taking Marilyn for a desert excursion to share her knowledge of desert plants.
Her range of interests was a valuable asset. I first met Pamela when I was a department chief at AT&T, and she was seeking a job in my organization. The mathematics in her educational background suggested a possible fit with our emerging computer product line, albeit not as an engineer, but more as marketing support for some highly technical folks. Over time, I learned that she not only understood technology like a technical person, but also had a good grasp of how it would be used. This was one reason she became a valued resource to me as I set up my consulting and training business. She knew how to learn complex new concepts, and most importantly, was able to communicate them to others.
Another thing about Pamela was that at work and play, like Frank Sinatra, she “did it my way.” I think that was one reason we got along as boss and employee, because it agreed with my own philosophy of life. I remember our first business trip together to New York for a project meeting. Pamela wondered why we had to be in the city in the morning, when our meeting was in the afternoon. She soon learned that, although business must be done on a business trip, there was no reason you couldn’t use the same trip to tour the tall ships in New York harbor before the meeting. Sometimes, this similarity in style created a bit of role reversal. I recall her telling me (and a couple of other bosses!) to “grow up” when one of our work projects became particulary intense.
Yes, we will all miss Pamela, but I know you will miss her the most. From the time Marilyn and I attended your wedding through the short vacation trip we shared as couples in North Carolina, I always saw you two as “peas in a pod.” Cherish the good memories you have of your life together and she will always be at your side.
Jay Junkus
I have fond memories of the times that Pamela, Mark and I would talk about her achievements in amateur radio. She was always engaging in those conversations and eager to learn. Kramer and I often think of her at training how she always have “healthy snacks” unlike my doughnut holes.
I’m certain she’s joined a team and is enjoying her pursuits. Until we meet again, Tony and Kramer.
Mark – I am so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting Pamela several times during our Motorola tenure. i.e. Business Meetings/Soirees as well as when I was in Japan and Singapore. You have a wonderful angel in heaven watching over you. God Bless, Mark & Carole Lavrisa
Mark, may god continue to give you the courage and wisdom to bear this unimaginable loss.
To me, Pamela was the ultimate Renaissance woman. I will always remember her endearing, endless inquiring mind…..and boy was she always so joyous to share ideas and thoughts with everyone she met! God now holds you in the palm of his hand dear Pamela………
Dear Mark,
I am so sorry. Pam was so enthusiastic and her energy was contagious. She was so passionate about her involvement in music and the joy that it brought to the world. Her presence will be missed. Last year she brought her guitar to rehearsal and I have vivid memories of her sitting on the platform at the Parish House playing her instrument. she was so happy.
Sincerely,
Phyllis Everette
Live Arts Maryland/Annapolis Chorale
Dear Mark,
I am sorry to learn of Pam’s passing. At last year’s MU reunion, you and Pam had such a great time. Your devotion to each other was obvious. I remember when you first met and then married in 1984. Such a pleasure to see you in 2018 so very happy in each other’s company.
My prayers are for you and your families.
Mark I am so very.sad to hear of Pamela’s passing. I remember her beautiful and vibrant personality. Always upbeat and full of energy. I was so sad to have missed seeing you both at the reunion. You were two people I always enjoyed working with at MU so talented and so kind. My sincere sympathy to you and your family Rest In Peace Pamela
Sincerely
Kathy OMalley
Dear Mark,
My deepest condolences for you & family! I always have fond memories of Pam. The way she smile, her warm & bubble personality, her irresistible laughter that I will never forget even though we have not met since you return to States many years ago.
May her soul Rest In Peace! May the love & grace of God be with you & family!
💕 Karen
To Mark and Pam’s family, my heartfelt support and wishes for wonderful memories. I could not spend more than 5 minutes with Pam until I was laughing over her latest story. Her unbridled curiosity and drive to learn more was an inspiration. All who knew her will miss her dearly.
So sorry to learn of Pam’s passing. We sang together (altos) in the Annapolis Chorale. I know it was quite a commute but it didn’t matter. She really enjoyed singing and making music. She always had an interesting story or fun advice to share. It was a pleasure knowing Pam.
Dear Mark,
We are so shocked and very sad to hear of Pam’s passing. We cannnot imagine how you are with loss of her. Before we moved to the USA in 1996, she kindly gave us a lot of detailed advices to make our life easier in the new environment. Kyoko really enjoyed the visit with her to the Japanese art exhibition at Mitsukoshi department store in Tokyo to know that Pam was so interested in the art. I was very happy singing the anthems in the church in Bloomington with Pam.
We will never forget her smile and lots of memories we shared.
Dear Mark, I am very sorry to hear of Pamela-san’s passing. I always remember her smiling face although I know her only while you two were living in Tokyo. She was open to different culture and kind to people. I pray for the repose of her soul.
So Sorry to hear about my Cousin Pam. We all used to get together when we were kids but it is sad how we all went our separate ways in our adult lives and never got together again. Sounds like she had a great life and brought a lot of joy to many people. Here’s to a Life Well Lived.
Love,
Cousin Bill Imblum
Dear Mark,
Catherine and I were saddened by the news of Pam’s passing. She will be missed.
I remember the beautiful picture collage she gave Catherine on the flowers in your backyard in Arizona. The care she put into making the collage showed a very her caring person. Her ability to capture the beauty of even the tiniest flower showed her inclusiveness.
I pray for your strength and that of your family during this difficult time.
May Pam’s soul Rest In Peace.
In sadness,
Catherine & Cheah
Dear Mark,
I am deeply sorry about Pamela’s passing. My heart goes out to you. I haven’t seen you and Pamela for almost 20 years, but my memory of Pamela is vivid. She was so warm, kind, happy, and positive, just like a sunflower, and she will continue to be so in my heart. Wishing you healing.
Dear Mark –
I was shocked and saddened when I learned about Pam’s passing. We just had the pleasure of seeing her at the Motorola University Reunion in September of 2018. Pam was such a warm and welcoming individual to all. My deepest sympathy to you and your entire family.
Sort Comments
So sorry to hear of Pam’s passing. We will miss her in the alto section of the Chesapeake Choral Arts Society.
Dear Mark,
I was very sad to hear of Pamela’s passing. I considered her a good friend, and would meet her for lunch several times a year. She was a kind soul, and I confided in her, even at our first luncheon.
CCAS Choir member Sarah McBurney
Deeply sorry for your loss.
She will be missed.
Jim Henson
Mark —
Once again, both Marilyn and I are sorry for your loss. Pamela was always a good friend and an extraordinary person. We will miss her.
What I remember most about Pamela is that she was always trying to broaden her horizon. When you guys were in the Orient, I remember how she took up volunteer projects that brought her closer to the culture of the places where you lived. No matter when I talked to her, I was amazed at some new interest — anything from dress-making through musical instruments and special purpose dog training. When she and you joined us in Las Vegas during one of my cable industry business trips, I remember her taking Marilyn for a desert excursion to share her knowledge of desert plants.
Her range of interests was a valuable asset. I first met Pamela when I was a department chief at AT&T, and she was seeking a job in my organization. The mathematics in her educational background suggested a possible fit with our emerging computer product line, albeit not as an engineer, but more as marketing support for some highly technical folks. Over time, I learned that she not only understood technology like a technical person, but also had a good grasp of how it would be used. This was one reason she became a valued resource to me as I set up my consulting and training business. She knew how to learn complex new concepts, and most importantly, was able to communicate them to others.
Another thing about Pamela was that at work and play, like Frank Sinatra, she “did it my way.” I think that was one reason we got along as boss and employee, because it agreed with my own philosophy of life. I remember our first business trip together to New York for a project meeting. Pamela wondered why we had to be in the city in the morning, when our meeting was in the afternoon. She soon learned that, although business must be done on a business trip, there was no reason you couldn’t use the same trip to tour the tall ships in New York harbor before the meeting. Sometimes, this similarity in style created a bit of role reversal. I recall her telling me (and a couple of other bosses!) to “grow up” when one of our work projects became particulary intense.
Yes, we will all miss Pamela, but I know you will miss her the most. From the time Marilyn and I attended your wedding through the short vacation trip we shared as couples in North Carolina, I always saw you two as “peas in a pod.” Cherish the good memories you have of your life together and she will always be at your side.
Jay Junkus
I have fond memories of the times that Pamela, Mark and I would talk about her achievements in amateur radio. She was always engaging in those conversations and eager to learn. Kramer and I often think of her at training how she always have “healthy snacks” unlike my doughnut holes.
I’m certain she’s joined a team and is enjoying her pursuits. Until we meet again, Tony and Kramer.
Mark – I am so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting Pamela several times during our Motorola tenure. i.e. Business Meetings/Soirees as well as when I was in Japan and Singapore. You have a wonderful angel in heaven watching over you. God Bless, Mark & Carole Lavrisa
Mark, So deeply sorry for your loss. Lori Daugherty
Mark, may god continue to give you the courage and wisdom to bear this unimaginable loss.
To me, Pamela was the ultimate Renaissance woman. I will always remember her endearing, endless inquiring mind…..and boy was she always so joyous to share ideas and thoughts with everyone she met! God now holds you in the palm of his hand dear Pamela………
Dear Mark,
I am so sorry. Pam was so enthusiastic and her energy was contagious. She was so passionate about her involvement in music and the joy that it brought to the world. Her presence will be missed. Last year she brought her guitar to rehearsal and I have vivid memories of her sitting on the platform at the Parish House playing her instrument. she was so happy.
Sincerely,
Phyllis Everette
Live Arts Maryland/Annapolis Chorale
Dear Mark,
I am sorry to learn of Pam’s passing. At last year’s MU reunion, you and Pam had such a great time. Your devotion to each other was obvious. I remember when you first met and then married in 1984. Such a pleasure to see you in 2018 so very happy in each other’s company.
My prayers are for you and your families.
So sad to hear of Pam’s passing. Her gentle voice and soft spirit will echo in the music community for a long time. Peace to her husband, Mark and her family and friends.
Mark I am so very.sad to hear of Pamela’s passing. I remember her beautiful and vibrant personality. Always upbeat and full of energy. I was so sad to have missed seeing you both at the reunion. You were two people I always enjoyed working with at MU so talented and so kind. My sincere sympathy to you and your family Rest In Peace Pamela
Sincerely
Kathy OMalley
Dear Mark,
My deepest condolences for you & family! I always have fond memories of Pam. The way she smile, her warm & bubble personality, her irresistible laughter that I will never forget even though we have not met since you return to States many years ago.
May her soul Rest In Peace! May the love & grace of God be with you & family!
💕 Karen
To Mark and Pam’s family, my heartfelt support and wishes for wonderful memories. I could not spend more than 5 minutes with Pam until I was laughing over her latest story. Her unbridled curiosity and drive to learn more was an inspiration. All who knew her will miss her dearly.
So sorry to learn of Pam’s passing. We sang together (altos) in the Annapolis Chorale. I know it was quite a commute but it didn’t matter. She really enjoyed singing and making music. She always had an interesting story or fun advice to share. It was a pleasure knowing Pam.
I’m so sorry, upon Pam’s passing.
We only met in the last eight months, which as we know, was more than enough for her deeply charming personality to place her in one’s affections.
Such a pleasure to hear her gentle voice and guitar…
So sorry. I enjoyed a lot of time playing guitar with Pam.
Dear Mark,
We are so shocked and very sad to hear of Pam’s passing. We cannnot imagine how you are with loss of her. Before we moved to the USA in 1996, she kindly gave us a lot of detailed advices to make our life easier in the new environment. Kyoko really enjoyed the visit with her to the Japanese art exhibition at Mitsukoshi department store in Tokyo to know that Pam was so interested in the art. I was very happy singing the anthems in the church in Bloomington with Pam.
We will never forget her smile and lots of memories we shared.
Dear Mark, I am very sorry to hear of Pamela-san’s passing. I always remember her smiling face although I know her only while you two were living in Tokyo. She was open to different culture and kind to people. I pray for the repose of her soul.
Pamela your engaging personality and beautiful voice will be missed. I hope you’ve found a wonderful new tribe!💕
So Sorry to hear about my Cousin Pam. We all used to get together when we were kids but it is sad how we all went our separate ways in our adult lives and never got together again. Sounds like she had a great life and brought a lot of joy to many people. Here’s to a Life Well Lived.
Love,
Cousin Bill Imblum
Dear Mark,
Catherine and I were saddened by the news of Pam’s passing. She will be missed.
I remember the beautiful picture collage she gave Catherine on the flowers in your backyard in Arizona. The care she put into making the collage showed a very her caring person. Her ability to capture the beauty of even the tiniest flower showed her inclusiveness.
I pray for your strength and that of your family during this difficult time.
May Pam’s soul Rest In Peace.
In sadness,
Catherine & Cheah
Love you Mark, love you Pamela.
Your close friend since 1972. I’ll see you later on.
Dear Mark,
I am deeply sorry about Pamela’s passing. My heart goes out to you. I haven’t seen you and Pamela for almost 20 years, but my memory of Pamela is vivid. She was so warm, kind, happy, and positive, just like a sunflower, and she will continue to be so in my heart. Wishing you healing.
Dear Mark –
I was shocked and saddened when I learned about Pam’s passing. We just had the pleasure of seeing her at the Motorola University Reunion in September of 2018. Pam was such a warm and welcoming individual to all. My deepest sympathy to you and your entire family.