Pamela Faye Mack

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Pamela Faye Mack died peacefully with her daughter Tiffani, and grandsons Shane and Casey by her side on Aug. 12, 2020, after a valiant battle with leukemia.

Pamela Faye Mack was born Aug. 29, 19XX (her close friends will understand the X's ) in Lansing to James and Pauline Work and was raised in Detroit. She graduated from Coolidge High School in Detroit and shortly thereafter, moved to New York where she pursued a successful dancing and acting career. She married Patrick Fontecchio and they moved to Hurley, Wisconsin where they joined Pat's parents in the operation of the Liberty Bell Chalet. Pamela was very fond of her time spent running the restaurant with Pat. They had two children, Tiffani and PJ. Although Pat and Pamela later divorced after many years of marriage, they remained very close friends.

Pamela married former state senator, Joseph S. Mack on July 2, 1973. She supported Joe through his multiple terms as a state senator of Michigan, by his side as they traveled back and forth from Ironwood to Lansing. During that time, she earned a master's degree in theology from Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin. Pamela and Joe enjoyed a wonderful 32 years of marriage until his passing in April of 2005.

Later that year, Pamela and daughter Tiffani opened Fitness Xpress Women's Workout Center in Ironwood, Michigan. They were fortunate to run a successful business as a team for 13 years. While Tiffani hiked Europe, Pamela's support gave her the courage to do it alone. She was Tiffani's greatest fan.

Of all her accomplishments, being a mom and grandma was her greatest joy. She was second to none. Truly selfless, always putting her family first.  She cherished her winters with Joe at her home in Florida, having her children and grandchildren visit every spring break, and spending time with close friends.

Pamela impacted the lives of countless people and did so very quietly and graciously. As news of her passing spread, hundreds of messages from dear friends and family came flooding in. Here are a few of their beautiful thoughts: Our dear Pamela: beautiful, a force of nature, wickedly hilarious, fearless, super hero, always causing smiles, sassy, authentic and joyful soul, full of fun, a shining light, strong, one of a kind always brightening the day, bringing laughter and joy to everyone, one moment in time with her lasted a lifetime, larger than life, incredible spirit, a bright light, one of the funniest people I've ever met, a smile to remember, a heart of gold, fun loving, full of energy, always carried a positive attitude, a treasure, firecracker, great friend and unforgettable.

A shining light has dimmed but will always live bright in all of our hearts.

Pamela is survived her children, Tiffani (Shane) Peite, and PJ Fontecchio; brothers, Jim (Chrystal) Work Stepsons Gary (Sara) Mack and Dennis Mack; grandchildren, Shane (Tracey) Wiercinski, Casey Aho, (fiancée Nadine Switlick), Patrice Fontecchio, Amber Fontecchio, Joshua Mack, Zachary (Megan) Mack, Laurel (Tyler) Reece and Kaitlyn (John) Mooney; nieces, Laura Bostic Work, Della Work, and Valerie Maynard, as well as several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sen. Joseph S. Mack; parents, James and Pauline Work; and sister, Jacki Work.

As per Pamela's request, there will be a private family service. The family would like to thank her medical staff at Aspirus Hospitals in Wausau, Wisconsin and Ironwood, Michigan, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and Gerald Rocco at Lakeside Memorial Chapel who gave her the utmost care and respect.