Pamela Callisto

Pamela Callisto, 82, formerly of Norristown, PA passed away on March 14, 2024, in Madison, WI. True to form, she was laughing and smiling to the end, and doing leg lifts in her hospital bed the day before she passed, in anticipation of her next tennis match.

She was born in Brooklyn, NY on November 4, 1941, to John and JoAnne (nee Jermyn) Pearson. As a child, she moved with her family to Milford, PA and later, Scotrun, PA. Pam graduated from Pocono Township High School in 1959 and later received bachelor and master degrees from West Chester University. She was a gifted athlete at a time when women in sports were overlooked and undervalued. “Playing games,” as she said, was a theme throughout her life, and there was not a racquet sport she could not conquer and enjoy. She played both tennis and platform tennis until just prior to her death, and treasured the many friends, stories, and beers surrounding her time on the courts. She was most likely the oldest outfielder ever to run on to a field in the Norristown women’s slow pitch league, and while her lifetime batting average has not been calculated, it surely benefited from her unusual pigeon-toed batting stance and ability to place a ball anywhere in the field.

Her love of sport was matched only by her love of children. She was an attentive and devoted mother and grandmother, with her son and grandchildren the beneficiaries of her good humor and grace in sharing all the joys (and smoothing all the bumps) of growing up. She brought that same energy and love to the community. In 1966, Pam began teaching at the West End Preschool in Norristown, where she worked for more than 50 years, helping prepare hundreds of children for their transition to kindergarten. When not teaching or swinging a racquet, she could be found in her vegetable and flower gardens, working on cross stitch patterns, or framing art at her business, The Framing & Finishing Shop. Pam loved to travel, taking long trips across the country and around the world with her husband, son, sister, and grandchildren. She especially treasured annual summer extended family trips to the Jersey Shore at her favorite house on Battersea Road in Ocean City. She was a caring soul, friend and friendly to all, regardless of background or status. If you were willing to talk over a beer or coffee, she was there for you. She was deeply loved and is missed by all who were graced with her friendship.

She is survived by her husband, Jim; son, Eric (Monique Currie); and beloved grandchildren Gianna and Declan Callisto. She is further survived by her brothers, Kenneth Pearson (Barbara) of East Montpelier, VT, and David Pearson (Karen) of Scotrun, PA; sister Arlene Pearson Kwasnik of Williamstown, VT; sisters-in-law Kathy (Richard) Frey and Carolyn Callisto; her “sons” from Mexico, Gonzalo Amerigo and Carlos Marron; and many nieces and nephews and their families. The family wishes to especially thank neighbors Ralph and Linda Sposato and good friends John and Lori Alfonse for their kindness and assistance to Pam and Jim over the years. Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

A celebration of Pam’s life will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 2:00-4:00 p.m., at the Eagleville Taphouse, 3300 Ridge Pike, Eagleville, PA 19403. All are welcome.

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406