Pamela J. Amato
Pamela J. Amato, 55 of Bath, Pa., passed away peacefully on November 10, 2022 in her home. She was surrounded by her loving family.
Born on July 15, 1967 in Palmerton, PA, she was the daughter of Frederick and Jane Bukowski Schanstine. Pam was a graduate of Palmerton High School. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education in English and Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Kutztown University. Pam was a 2-sport athlete in college but spent most of her years as a proud member of the Kutztown University Field Hockey team.
Pam was employed as a school counselor at Nazareth Area High School where she made a positive impact in the lives of many students during her career. Pam was an avid runner competing in many half marathons. She loved the outdoors biking and kayaking as well as pinochle parties with friends. Pam loved to vacation with her family in Canada and was an accomplished fisherman. She enjoyed spending time each summer in Bethany Beach. Her competitive spirit shined during the long fun hours of family game nights. She served as a member of the Northampton Football Booster Club in charge of managing weekly meals. Pam was an active member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Bath.
Pam enjoyed cooking and loved to watch the Cooking Channel especially the many food competitions. She loved listening to music around the house. Pam had a kind, loving heart. She was genuine, compassionate, humble, fun loving and the strongest person you will ever meet. Her courage was remarkable over the past 12 years. She never once complained even through the toughest battles she faced with her health. Placing others before herself, Pam was an inspiration to many. She treasured the many fun times tailgating at the Penn State football games. More than anything else, Pam loved every precious moment of time she spent with her family.
She is survived by her loving husband of 17 years, Rosario ”Rusty” A. Amato, Jr., and her children, Darren and Jared Stauffer, and Rocco Amato. Also surviving is Fred and Jane Schanstine, a brother, Kirk Schanstine and his wife April.
Family and friends may call on Friday November 25, 2022 from 4 to 7:30 PM at the Finegan Funeral Home, 4080 William Penn Highway, Easton, Pa. A celebration and sharing memories of Pam will be held from 7 to 7:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday November 26, 2022 beginning at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 210 East Northampton Street, Bath, Pa. Inurnment of ashes will follow at the Northampton Memorial Shrine, Easton, Pa.
Along with accepting flowers, donations may be made in Pam’s name to The American Cancer Society or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, NY).