Pamela Jo Erickson's Obituary
Pamela Jo Erickson
January 1955 - May 2026
Pamela Jo (Schroder) Erickson lived a life defined by kindness, determination, creativity, and an unwavering appreciation for the people and moments that mattered most.
Born in Casper, Wyoming, and raised in Sheridan, Wyoming, Pam spent her life creating meaningful connections and lasting memories. She lived in Aurora, Fairplay, Bennett, and Dallas throughout the years, but Colorado always felt home.
Pam's life was enriched by the nearly 40 years she shared with her beloved husband, Chuck. Together they built a marriage marked by commitment, friendship, resilience, and a deep love for family. Through the years they created a home filled with laughter, traditions, adventures, and unwavering support for one another.
Professionally, Pam built an exceptional career in technology and project management. Beginning her career with Western Electric, AT&T and later retiring from IBM, she rose to become a highly respected project manager and certified Project Management Professional (PMP). In an industry where women were often underrepresented in leadership roles, Pam earned admiration through her intelligence, work ethic, and ability to lead complex projects successfully. Her accomplishments stand as a testament to her determination, perseverance, and belief that hard work could overcome any obstacle.
Pam was also a pioneer for girls and women in hockey throughout Colorado. During the 1990s, she served as Vice President of Women's and Girls Hockey for Colorado State USA Hockey, helping create opportunities for young women in a sport where few existed at the time. Her efforts helped pave the way for future generations of female athletes.
Outside of her professional achievements, Pam embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. She loved camping, swimming, bowling, quilting, reading, movies, road trips, maps, flowers, birds, weather-watching, and exploring the beauty of the natural world.
Pam found joy in every season and every holiday. Her home was filled with festive decorations, family traditions, and carefully prepared meals that brought loved ones together. She loved cooking and believed that some of life's best conversations happened around the dinner table.
A devoted animal lover, Pam cherished her pets as members of the family. She liked her marshmallows completely burnt, was scared of the dark, and proudly sang along (and cried) to the national anthem whenever it played, and somehow managed to quit smoking twice—a feat that perfectly reflected her stubborn determination.
One of Pam's most inspiring qualities was her willingness to continue growing throughout her life. At the age of 60, she discovered a passion for art and embraced it wholeheartedly, proving that it is never too late to learn, create, and pursue a new dream.
Pam is preceded in death by her mother, Alma Bernice (Collins) Kalinski, father Herbert “Joe” Joseph Schroder II (a World War II Army Ranger and paratrooper), father-in-law Kenneth William Erickson, mother-in-law Elsie Selma (Uecker) Erickson, brother-in-law Kurt William Erickson, brother-in-law Scott David Jakanoski, niece Stephanie Lynn Murch and nephew Kurt Allen Erickson. She is survived by her beloved husband, Chuck, her children Lacey and Luke, and her sister Kimberly Jakanoski along with her family, friends, and countless others whose lives were touched by her kindness, mentorship, and love.
Pam's final battle was one with metastatic cancer, a fight she faced with courage, determination, and the same stubborn resilience that defined her entire life. In honoring her memory, her family encourages everyone—young and old—to prioritize their health through regular medical checkups, recommended screenings, and preventive care, including vaccinations such as the HPV vaccine, which was not available when Pam was younger. Early detection and prevention save lives.
Pam's legacy lives on in the lessons she shared with anyone fortunate enough to know her: be nice, work hard, and never wish time away. One of her favorite quotes from King David in the Hebrew Bible (1 Kings 2:9) can give each of you the strength to do good in this world: “You will know what to do".
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