Pamela Jean Maxwell

May 1, 1946 – September 27, 2026

Pamela Jean Maxwell passed away on September 27, 2026. Born on May 1, 1946, in Whittier, California, to Merwin and Alberta Woods Maxwell, Pam was preceded in death by her parents; wife, Kathy Martin; older brother, Michael Maxwell; and her beloved uncle, Tom Woods. She is survived by her loving nephews, Mike Maxwell and Jon Maxwell; her nieces, Kym Maxwell and Jennifer Maxwell; and her stepdaughters, Dawn Martin and Jennifer Wolfe.

Pam suffered from Lewy Body Dementia and Alzheimer’s. For the last two years of her life. She was lovingly taken care at Silverado Memory Care in San Juan Capistrano. She loved them and they loved her.

In the summer of 1951, the Maxwell family moved to rural Garden Grove, California. Growing up in this tight-knit small community allowed Pam to form lifelong friendships. She attended Rancho Alamitos High School, where she cultivated a rich variety of interests, participating in theater, the arts, sports, and the drill team. Pam’s many friends remember her as always being a loving, caring and supportive friend, helping wherever she could, especially with a wonderful hug. Whenever her high school friends gathered, Pam added her joy, fun and kindness.

Following graduation, her passion for the arts and theater led her to Hollywood, where she worked for a short time as a wardrobe dresser for The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.

In her early thirties, Pam answered a call to academia, returning to college to earn her master’s degree in Archaeology. During her studies, she participated in archaeological digs in Israel and Ireland. Upon earning her degree, Pam began a distinguished career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, working from August 1989 until her retirement in May 2007. In this role, she performed vital analyses of historic and prehistoric cultural resources for numerous projects across California, Arizona, and Nevada.

In the mid-eighties, Pam met and started dating Kathy Martin who had two daughters, Dawn and Jennifer. Pam moved in with Kathy’s family in 1988, starting their devoted relationship. In 2001, the new family moved to a home in Placentia, California. Pam and Kathy built a life together officially marrying in2014. Their lives were filled with love of friends, beloved cats and shared interests. They especially enjoyed

creating beads, bead jewelry, as well as silver jewelry, and collecting beautiful glass Christmas ornaments and southwestern art.

Pam is remembered for her adventurous spirit, her sharp intellect, and the deep, enduring friendships she made throughout her extraordinary life.