Pamela Atwell

Pamela Atwell, 77, wife of William Atwell of Staunton, died on September 1, 2023 at Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah after a long illness.

Born on September 26, 1945 to Julien J. Olivier and Joan E. Olivier, Pam spent most of her early life in California.  An honors graduate of Santa Clara University, she later earned MA and PhD degrees in Asian politics from the University of Hawaii and London University, respectively. Her doctoral dissertation and other of her writings on British colonial rule in China were published by Oxford University Press.

After their marriage in 1967, Pam and Bill lived for extended periods of time in Taiwan, Japan, and England where Pam did academic research and taught students from a wide variety of backgrounds. Returning to the USA in the late 1980's, the Atwells settled in upstate New York where Pam continued to teach, to participate in community and church programs, and helped to plan and organize study tours to Japan, Hong Kong, and China.

Retiring to Staunton in 2005, Pam greatly enjoyed walking in Gypsy Hill Park, attending theatrical productions and musical events, taking Olli courses, and participating in a series of Bible Studies groups led by the Reverend Shelby Owen.

Pam is survived by Bill, her husband of fifty-six years, by her brother Jeffrey Olivier (Teresa) of Anaheim Hills, CA, her sister Renée Olsen (Jim) of Auburn, CA, cousins, Janine Harmon, Babette Grupp, Cathleen Payne, Carmine Todd and special friends, Jane Donegan and Gail McKee.

Pam's family is deeply grateful to Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah and especially to the wonderful nurses of Shenandoah House for their compassion, gentleness and professionalism with which they cared for Pam.

A memorial service will be held at a later date to facilitate the attendance of family and friends from out of state.

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah (P.O. Box 215, Fishersville, VA 22939), Habitat for Humanity (P. O. Box 3188, Staunton, VA 24402-3188) or Blue Ridge Area Food Bank (P.O. Box 937, Verona, VA 24482).