Caligiuri, Pamela J. 67, died Sept. 2nd. Preceded by husband, Michael. Survived by son, Zeke. Arr. by Cremation Soc. MN. (Star Tribune)

[The following memories were written by Pam’s son, Zeke Caligiuri]

Pam grew up in small town McGregor, Iowa and later moved to Mankato during her teen years. She was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Minnesota where she graduated.

She met my father Michael whom she married in 1974 in a ceremony in Minneapolis. They later moved west into the mountains of California where they had me, Zeke, their only child in 1977. They moved back to the Twin Cities in 1980.

She worked for Children’s Hospitals of Minnesota for over sixteen years, a job she absolutely loved. Her passion was children; cared for and spoiled them. She spoke a language only they understood sometimes.

She spent much of my childhood committed to charities involved with kids. She was heavily involved in different gift giving programs during the holiday seasons. She taught me about the sharing of blessings.

She was the most devoted mother – part parent/teacher associations and active through a lifetime of sporting events. She was an excellent softball player and pitcher – and a good volleyball player as well.

She was a very strong willed and confidant presence wherever she went. She taught me to speak my mind, as she did always. She stood up for women’s rights in the workplace and in society.

After my father passed away in 2011, she took on a second act of her life as a social justice advocate, making friends and connections with people from several organizations, as well as Congressmen, Senators, and the Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota. She spoke at several rallies outside the State Capitol and to family groups.

She was a proud supporter of the arts community in Minneapolis, and perhaps was most proud to speak at her son’s book launch for “This Is Where I Am: A Memoir” – a book about families struggling to stay together through the tumultuous 90’s in Minneapolis. She was featured prominently in its pages. She was working on a book project with other mothers just before her death just before her unexpected death.

She was a force who fought the abuse of power at so many levels – taught other mothers how to navigate similar terrain.