Pamela Boudreau, 81, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026.

A lifelong resident of Kalamazoo, Pam grew up on Village Street and graduated from Loy Norrix High School in 1962. She went on to study at the Art Institute of Chicago before earning her degree in Art from Western Michigan University, where she later earned a Master’s in Educational Leadership.

She was briefly married to John Boudreau, with whom she had two children, Adam and Molly.

In 1972, Pam founded The Montessori School, dedicating her career to building it into a thriving and much-loved place of learning for generations of children. Her commitment to education, curiosity, and independence shaped not only the school but also the lives of countless families in the community.

In retirement, Pam embraced new passions with the same energy she brought to her work. She served as a docent at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, traveled the world with enthusiasm and fearlessness, and continued to create—gardening, drawing, painting, sculpting and working in mosaic.

Above all, she treasured time with her grandchildren, Glady and Henry, whether in London or along the shores of Lake Michigan.

Pam was a lifelong learner—endlessly curious and deeply engaged with the world. Her interests were wide-ranging, including history, art, theatre, and music and she pursued each with intensity and joy. Whatever captured her attention, she explored fully and without hesitation. In recent years, she found new enjoyment in following Brentford and Wrexham football clubs, rarely missing a match and always keen to learn more about the players and the game.

She had strong opinions and never hesitated to share them—a quality that made her both formidable and deeply memorable, matched by her distinctive sense of humor.

Pam faced cancer with strength and resilience over the past year and was warmly supported by the community at Heritage.

She is survived by her son Adam Boudreau; her daughter Molly Gartland; her son-in-law, Steve Gartland; and grandchildren, Glady and Henry Gartland. She is also survived by her ex-husband John Boudreau; her sister, Carol Harsch; and her brother, James Long.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com where you can sign the guestbook and share your favorite memory with her family. In lieu of flowers and trees, please send donations to Pam's favourite organization, The Montessori School. 

A celebration of Pam’s life will be held in mid August. Colorful attire is encouraged.

The Boudreau family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002 (269) 344-5600.