A beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Pamela Rae Eaton, passed away peacefully in her sleep Aug. 15, 2021. Born to Gilbert Phillip “Chuck” Liefke and Alice Marie Liefke, in Sparta, Wis., on Sept. 10, 1943, she grew up in Wilton.
After being crowned prom queen at Wilton High and graduating from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Pam drove across the country in her yellow 1967 Mustang to teach elementary school in the Golden State. A magnet that hangs on her fridge fittingly reads, “I may live in California, but I bleed green and gold.” Ever the Packers and Badger fan, Pam returned home every year to visit family and cheer for her favorite teams. Every visit was filled with fun and laughter. Though she didn’t need to be the center of attention, Pam loved to be wherever the action was and enjoyed hearing everyone’s stories, as if she could vicariously live through their adventures, too.
Pam married Robert Burdock Eaton in 1980. Her dream of becoming a mother came true with the births of Thomas Liefke and later Elizabeth Marie. She is dearly missed by her three grandchildren, Emi (6), Eleanor (2), and John “Baby Jack” Liefke (3 months). The girls always enjoyed her exuberant and affectionate reactions to their stories and artwork. Though she forged a rewarding life and formed deep friendships in California, her heart remained in Wilton, where she will ultimately be laid to rest, near her parents, at St. Paul’s Cemetery.
A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wilton. Pastor Cathleen Morris will officiate. A private burial will be in the church cemetery.
The Sonnenburg/Smith-Nelson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
