The Votes Are In!
2024 Readers' Choice is back, bigger and better than ever!
View Winners → Old Town Report: Monrovia Pioneer Pam Fitzpatrick Dies
Community Aug 01, 2018
Monrovia’s Pam Fitzpatrick’s devotion to Old Town Monrovia will be eternally celebrated. - Photo by Terry Miller / Beacon Media News
by
share with
Monrovia’s Pam Fitzpatrick’s devotion to Old Town Monrovia will be eternally celebrated. – Photo by Terry Miller / Beacon Media News
Originally published July 31, 2018 @4:23 p.m. / Last updated Aug. 1 @4 p.m.
March 8, 1947 – July 31, 2018
By Terry Miller
On Tuesday morning Monrovia awoke to the news that one of the true treasures of Monrovia, Pam Fitzpatrick, passed away from complications of throat cancer.
In addition to having four children, she has three sisters, one of whom, Nancy, predeceased Pam as did her brother Jim.
Pam’s many accomplishments are legendary to the city and Old Town in particular, to which she devoted her life’s work.
In 2015, Pam received the Iris Award from the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce. Essentially, this is the Citizen of the Year honor. In 2014 Assemblyman Chris Holden honored Pam with a Business of the Year award. Holden said:
“I am pleased to honor Pam Fitzpatrick not only for all her hard work, but for her civic commitment as well. Pam is a success not only because she’s a good businesswoman, but because she gives back to the community. Businesses like hers are the backbone of the community and it is important that we recognize their contributions to the economy of California.”
These are just two of the many well-deserved accolades bestowed upon Monrovia’s “First Lady of Old Town.”
Many of our readers will remember Pam for her insightful, fun column that appeared in Monrovia Weekly until she became too ill to write. “The Old Town Report” was part history, part retail news and always fun and inspirational for the business and community at large.
As tributes on her Facebook page continue to grow, perhaps Hannes and Rachel Sheen said it best: “I don’t understand why the flag at city hall is not [at] half- mast.”
“Today we lost our dear, dear friend Pamela Fitzpatrick. She was so committed and gave so so much to her family, her friends and community. She will surely fondly live in our hearts and memories forever. May you rest in peace dear friend and prayers to all for comfort and peace,” expressed Mayor Pro Tem, Becky Shevlin.
Donna Baker shared:
“I’m sorrowful to learn of the passing of my dear friend and client, Pamela Fitzpatrick. From the first day I met her, she was inspiring because of her love of this small town. She gave her all to each and every aspect of making Monrovia a better place to live. I was so honored to be one of the people who nominated Pam for Citizen of the Year. She deserved it! She can never be replaced. Pam will be in our hearts and in the heart of Monrovia’s past and future forever. Be well in heaven, my friend! You are now a real angel. I don’t think any other person in this city did more for Old Town than Pamela Fitzpatrick! She has been and will be sorely missed!”
Jennifer Stone shared her thoughts:
“Oh how I loved Pamela Fitzpatrick. Heartbroken at her passing just doesn’t say enough. Pam was like a mother to me. She was a friend, a mentor and an inspiration. She lived her life without fear and I so admired that about her. My life has been touched by her being a part of it and it won’t be the same without her.
“Pam helped make Monrovia what it is today and her legacy will live on but Monrovia has just lost part of its soul. No one worked so hard for so long to make Monrovia better.
“My love and thoughts go out to her entire family during this difficult time. Rest in Peace Pam I will miss you forever but I’m so thankful for our time together.”
Services will be at Live Oak Cemetery on Aug. 9 at 11 a.m. and graveside services will be at noon. Pam’s sisters Jennifer Ranger and Cindy Ranger along with Luke, Wil, David and daughter in law Meghan wish to thank the community for their overwhelming support during this difficult time.
Editor’s Note: City Manager Oliver Chi’s Update included a notification that the hardware on the city hall flag pole was found to be non-functional this week and replacement parts are on order and should be received within a week. No flags will be flown over City Hall at any height until the repairs are made as it is not safe to fly them safely at this time.
