Pamela Priscilla Scalise, 71

Pamela Priscilla Scalise passed away unexpectedly at home on September 20, 2023.

Pam was born on August 2, 1952, to Lester and Gerry Plum in Marshalltown. She graduated from South Tama County High School in 1970 and Iowa State University in 1974, majoring in Physical Education. Pam’s first job after college was with Purolator Courier. She met her husband, Joe Scalise, at Purolator and they were married in 1984. Joe passed away in 1997.

She then worked at EFCO, retiring from full-time in 2018, and continued working part-time ever since.

Pam and Joe enjoyed many motorcycle trips and visits to Las Vegas. She loved golfing with Roger and her friends. She could really drive the golf ball, but her putting needed some work. Pam enjoyed watching ISU sports and attended nearly every soccer and baseball game of her friend’s children and grandchildren. She also had a nose for a good garage sale.

Pam loved traveling and celebrating with family and friends. She was part of the Ross family’s summer vacation every year. She helped coordinate the Zmolek family holiday meals, complete with spreadsheets. She also coordinated the annual Mother’s Day Tea outings for many years. Pam loved spending time with her family at Holiday Lake, which included boat rides, fishing and games. She made a memorable trip to Europe with Colleen and Pete to celebrate Pete’s 75th birthday. She also hosted “cousins weekends” for her step-nieces and nephews. Pam had a special bond with Zoe as her godmother. She was a devoted daughter, calling her mom every night to check on her.

Pam is survived by her mother, Gerry Zmolek; brother Roger Plum; step-daughter Michele Orr; step-siblings: Kathy Condon, Darrell Zmolek (Judy), Pat Zimmer, Marcia Forman (Tyler), Colleen Springer (Mark) and Tom Zmolek; sisters-in-law JoAnn Wright and Ardella Scalise; several step nieces and nephews, grandnieces and nephew and many cousins.

Pam was preceded in death by her husband Joe; her father Lester Plum; her step-father Pete Zmolek; brothers-in-law: Frank Scalise, Bob Scalise and Roger Scalise; sister-in-law Mim Scalise; parents-in-law Tony and Esther Scalise and her beloved Schnauzers Katie and Riley.

In memory of Pam, donations may be made to your favorite organization.

Visitation will be from 3-4 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, followed by services at 4 p.m. at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines.