Pamela Marie Hunt

Officially, Pam was born in Philadelphia. But in the Pacific Northwest, where her family lived during part of her childhood, she was once found happily petting a tarantula she had caught while calling it "Kitty." Whether that story helped fuel the family legend or not, one thing was certain: Pam wasn't afraid of much.

Pam was born on January 22, 1946, to Roy Luman and Ruth Luman Mummert. During her childhood, her family also lived in Okinawa, Japan, where her father was stationed with the U.S. Navy, before eventually returning to Philadelphia, where Pam grew up in the Roxborough section of the city.

Pam married George Hunt in 1967. They were married for 57 years. George was the quiet one. Pam most definitely wasn't. Anyone who knew them knew exactly which one was doing most of the talking. When George's health declined, Pam cared for him for years with unwavering dedication. Love wasn't something she said out loud—it was something she just did.

Pam was proudest of her family. She is survived by her daughters, Ruth James (Rodney "Mick" Shetrompf) and Susan Hunt (Steven Haag), whose college graduations were among her proudest moments. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Jules Olszewski (Abby Fritz) and John Haag (Emma Smiley).

She made sure her daughters never went without. Every fall she took them back-to-school shopping, and every Christmas she somehow made sure there were presents under the tree. Looking back, her daughters realized how much work that must have taken. As children, they simply knew Mom always found a way to make things special.

Pam was fiercely protective of her grandchildren and never stopped cheering them on. She was proud of their accomplishments, always worried about her people, and supported them in becoming exactly who they were meant to be. If Pam loved you, she was all in. She would do anything she could for the people she cared about, and if all she had was half of something, she'd make sure you had the other half.

Pam was strong-willed, independent, and always herself. She spoke her mind, didn't tolerate nonsense, and never worried much about whether people agreed with her. If she had an opinion, you were probably going to hear it! She loved telling jokes. After an unfortunate incident with a cow while learning to drive, she never spent another day behind the wheel—but she remained an extremely confident backseat driver.

She was also incredibly sharp. She loved watching Jeopardy! and could work out complicated math in her head long before anyone else had found a calculator.

Her love of sports began long before she became a devoted fan. In high school, she played field hockey and later enjoyed bowling, even earning a trophy for rolling a 226 game. If two people were competing at anything—football, baseball, golf, bowling, or just about any other sport—Pam was probably watching. She was especially devoted to the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies, affectionately referring to them as "those bums" whenever they weren't playing well. The neighbors once called the police because she was yelling so loudly at an Eagles game.

For many years, Pam worked as a noontime aide at William Levering Elementary School, where students affectionately nicknamed her "Sarge." They knew lunch and recess were over when they heard her banging her lunch tray and blowing her whistle. She had a no-nonsense reputation, but she loved the kids. She especially enjoyed talking with them about the Eagles and Phillies, and many former students still remember her today.

Later, Pam spent many years at Lutheran Children and Family Service, where her work helped bring hundreds—if not thousands—of families together through adoption.

Pam loved tending her flower beds and vegetable garden in Roxborough. Every summer, her family looked forward to tomato sandwiches made with tomatoes picked fresh from Mom's garden.

Even with her tough exterior and no-nonsense personality, Pam was an incredibly talented crocheter who made hundreds of baby hats and blankets over the years for family, friends, and local hospitals.

After raising her family in Roxborough, Pam later lived at Neshaminy Falls before moving to Dock Woods. At Dock Woods, she was loved by many of the residents and staff. She even learned how to write "Merry Christmas" in Korean so one of her neighbors could receive a Christmas card in their own language. She remained there until her passing after a brief illness on July 24, 2026.

Pam is also survived by Michael James; Pastor Tami Good, Gwen Eagleton, and her many friends at Dock Woods; and George's nieces and nephews.

Pam will be remembered for her larger-than-life personality, generous heart, and the joy she brought to everyone lucky enough to know her.

As much as we'd love to gather and celebrate Pam's life together, in true Pam fashion, she was adamant that there be no funeral or memorial service—and she made it quite clear she'd haunt us if we went against her wishes. So to honor her, please remember her fondly, share a story that makes you smile, or, if you choose, make a donation in her memory to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (https://www.chop.edu/giving).