Pamela J. Haldeman

Pamela Jean Haldeman (née Gotwals), age 66 of Elkins Park, passed away peacefully at home on February 27, 2021 from metastatic breast cancer. 

Pam leaves behind her beloved husband Bill Haldeman, daughter Julie Ann Haldeman (Aaron Danilack), sister Christine Gotwals, aunt Joan Gotwals, piles of post-it notes, and file cabinets bursting with brochures for weekend adventures. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Gloria Gotwals, and her ‘80s anchorwoman hairdo. 

Pam was born on March 26, 1954 in Philadelphia. She was studious from a young age, but nurtured her fun-loving spirit while inventing silly games with her neighborhood friends. Pam graduated at the top of her class from Cheltenham High School in 1972 and Grove City College in 1976 with a degree in French. 

Pam taught middle school French in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for several years before moving back to Philadelphia. She proudly worked for 39 years as an executive assistant to the president and owner of Sloane Automotive Group of Glenside. 

Pam was a connoisseur of instant coffee, and she loved crafting outfits with flair from the thrift store. She was a firm believer in “getting a good deal,” but treated her friends and family generously with her time and her treasures. She devoted herself to giving her parents the highest possible quality of life in their later years. 

Pam never let herself be defined by her 2016 breast cancer diagnosis. She continued her responsibilities with grace and celebrated the milestones of friends and family with zeal. She extensively researched treatment options, participated in a support group, and advocated for those with metastatic breast cancer. 

Although Pam has passed, her optimism, infectious smile, and “joie de vivre” will not be forgotten. Pam will be remembered for her gift in helping others to see the best in themselves. 

Following her wishes, there will not be a service. However, well-wishers are encouraged to send “snail mail” to a friend or donate clothing to a thrift store in Pam’s honor. 

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, any gifts in Pam’s honor should be made to the Asplundh Cancer Pavilion through the Abington Health Foundation.  

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