Pamela Freeman Obituary

Freeman
Pamela Joy (Blackis) Freeman
February 23, 1949
August 3, 2024

It is with deep and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Pamela J. Freeman, on August 3, 2024, in consequence of her 3-year bout with Stage 4 colon cancer. She died at her home under hospice care with family close at hand.
She was born to John Thomas and M. Joy Blackis and raised in the Park Hill area of Denver, Colorado. Her mother was an accomplished pianist and Pam showed an interest in learning at a young age. Her musical talent was swiftly revealed when she began taking piano lessons from a family friend. She enjoyed practicing every day. As a 5th grader, Pam played Chopin's Minute Waltz in one minute at the Hallett Elementary School talent show. Later her father and a friend built a harpsichord for her that enabled her Bach renditions to sound more authentic.
Pamela was a good student academically, enjoyed school and participated in every vocal group possible. When she graduated from George Washington H.S. in 1967, she was in the chorus and its prestigious madrigal group. She attended Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR., participating in both its choral and instrumental music programs. Her senior recital instrument was a pipe organ. She graduated May 1971 with a Bachelor's in Music Education.
Pamela had always wanted to be a doctor. In the fall of 1971, she continued her education at Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, with a focus on pre-med. While at CSU, she met James W. Freeman, also a graduate student, fell in love, and married him on 15 June 1974. They moved to Richmond, Virginia, where Pamela continued her studies in music history at Virginia Commonwealth University and Jim taught mathematics at VCU. They spent the next academic year, 1975-76, at the University of Bologna, Italy, where Pamela continued her music history studies at its School of Music. This included her visiting, on a regular basis, the 13th century church of San Giacomo Maggiore, and playing its pipe organ (circa late 1700's), while Jim participated in his post-doc studies within the University's Institute of Geometry. Upon returning to Richmond, Pamela received her Master's in Music History from VCU.
Pamela and Jim moved to Falls Church, VA, in August 1980, where both started working for Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC). Their move was due, in no small part, to the encouragement of CSC's Director of the Software, Systems and Security Technology Operations, who knew that musical talent and software engineering talent were often related. A week after Pamela started her software engineering position at CSC, Jim took a position within CSC's systems engineering group. In 1982 Pamela was among the first programmers to learn and apply Ada as the DoD standard for all embedded computer system applications.
Both Pamela and Jim enjoyed their living in their D.C. environs. They wished, however, to return "West". In 1983, employment opportunities within Ford Aerospace & Communications Corporation (FACC), Colorado Springs, allowed Pamela and Jim to move to COS and purchase their current home. In July 1988, Pamela accepted a position within Productive Data Systems (PDS) in support of a Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) contract.
In parallel with her s/w engineering work, Pamela continued her musical interests here in Colorado Springs. This included her joining the Colorado Springs Chorale and taking cello lessons. Soon thereafter she began participating in various music ensemble groups, including a string quartet. She actively continued these musical interests throughout her life, including being part of the recent Chorale's participation in the June 6, 2022, Normandy Memorial Services.
Having joined the Girl Scouts early in her school years, Pamela enjoyed hiking and camping. She was an avid reader and knitter. All of her stuffed animals were named and had distinct personalities. She enjoyed developing her cooking skills, which incorporated one of her life-long attributes: that of being a "picky eater". She was a loyal friend and a devoted wife and mother.
After having delivered their son, Adam John, in 1991, Pamela's life came into even more focus. Her love for her remarkable son was the root and the wings of her life. She and Jim guided Adam in developing his talents, including his musical talents, as well as toward his becoming a responsible, productive and loving adult. In support of his development they joined the First Congregational United Church of Christ.
Pamela is survived by her sister, Patricia J. Blackis of LaPorte CO, her brother, John P. Blackis of Berthoud, CO, her husband of 50 years, James W. Freeman of Colorado Springs, their son, Adam J. Beatty - Freeman and their daughter-in-law Christina Beatty - Freeman of Los Angeles, CA, Corinne Glaser, sister-in-law, David Freeman, brother-in-law; a flurry of nieces and nephews; and a host of long-time devoted friends.
A 'Celebration of Life' will be held starting at 2 pm., November 9th, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 E. St. Vrain St., Colorado Springs, with a reception immediately following at the church. The service can be 'live-streamed via the following link: https://www.youtube.com/live/_7a-5SyloqA .
In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in her honor to any of the following: Pacific University Music Department, Forest Grove, Oregon, the Colorado Springs Chorale, the Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble, or the Colorado Springs Children's Chorale.
Final Resting Place, Shrine of Remembrance
1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO.