Pamela Gonzalez

Pamela Jean Gonzalez, beloved mother, aunt, and cherished friend, passed away at LDS Hospital on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Born in Glens Falls, New York, on April 1st, 1959, to Beulah Leona Galusha and Daniel Orlie Bennett, Pam was the youngest of five brothers and two sisters. 

She is survived by her son, Alex; three brothers, Kenneth Bennett of South Glens Falls, NY, and Richard Bennett of Newport Richie, FL; a half-brother, Charles Flanagan of Cherry Valley, CA; and one sister, Bonnie Crannell; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Beulah and Daniel Bennett; her brothers, Leon Bennett and Daniel Bennett; and her sister, Donna Wall.

Pam dedicated her life to education. During the 1980s, she served as the director of the English Language Study Center at Westminster College in Salt Lake City. Subsequently, she joined the Salt Lake City School District, where she taught English as a Second Language for over 30 years. Prior to her retirement in 2024, she became a science specialist at Mountain View Elementary, concluding her career teaching 4th grade. 

Pam had a lifelong passion for theater, participating in dance and drama during her years at Glens Falls Middle and High School. Later, she committed many years to supporting the Empress Theatre, a local community theater. Notably, she served on the board of the Oquirrh Hills Performing Arts Alliance (OHPAA) for several years and volunteered as a lead for the theater's concessions. 

Pam cherished travel. During her college career at Russell Sage College, where she earned a Bachelor's degree, she studied abroad in France, fostering a lifelong appreciation for languages and culture. She continued her pursuit of knowledge, obtaining a Master's degree. Throughout her life, she traveled extensively, both internationally to locations such as France, and domestically to destinations including Florida, Yellowstone, Kanab, Zion National Park, and Bryce Canyon. She resided in various places, including Glens Falls and Troy, NY, and Washington, DC, before establishing her home in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Pam also found joy in nature, gardening, and bird watching, with a particular fondness for hummingbirds and squirrels. She owned many dogs throughout her life, most recently Sasha and Raven, with whom she is now reunited.