MANSFIELD: Pam Fonseca had a healthy heart. There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up. She treated people with kindness and generosity - all without pretense - and will be remembered for her unselfish contributions to the community and investments in personal character.'
Pam and her beloved mate George passed away Monday, May 18, 2015.
She was 60.
Born December 12, 1954 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she was graduated from Brentwood High School in 1972 and earned an associate degree in computer information from Computer Tech in 1974. She was employed by Digital Equipment Corporation and moved to Worchester, MA.
She later transferred to Digital's Pittsburgh office.
While serving with the Civil Air Patrol in 1978, she met a man who shared her passion for aviation: George W. Fonseca. "Aviation was in her blood" and she and George have been flying together ever since.
They were members of Commemorative Air Force, Experimental Aircraft Association, The Ninety-Nines (International Association of Women Pilots) and Mid-Eastern Regional Fly-In, and they assisted with the Mansfield, Ohio Airport Days.
An avid reader, Pam loved science fiction, historical novels and political commentaries.
She kept horses for years, loved the outdoors and was a member of the Garden Club of Ohio and Spruce Creek Garden Club.
Pam worked with George and helped in the operations of the Snelling employment franchise in Mansfield. In 2006 they opened Staffing Partners, an employment services firm with three locations in North Central Ohio, with Pam serving as Secretary/Treasurer of the company and actively managing its day-to-day operations.
She was an active member and former director of Altrusa International of Mansfield, OH.
She is survived by her father Arthur L. Ihrig of Pittsburgh, PA; siblings Arthur R. Ihrig of Wichita, KS, Marsha & Steven Grabowski of Zelienople, PA, Matthew & Annmarie Ihrig of Florissant, MO, Bruce & Lori Ihrig of North Huntingdon, PA and Patricia Matthews of Weeds, CA; nieces and nephews Melissa Davis, Heather Ihrig, Stephanie Ihrig, Brian Grabowski, Julia Fitz, Patricia Ihrig, Dylan Davis, Kayla Ihrig, Victoria Davis and Maddison Hackl; step children Michael & Martha Fonseca of Mechanicsville, VA and Susan & Michael Kelly of Woodstock, MD; grandsons Jason and Eric Kelly and Ryan Mitchell.
She was preceded in death by her mother Patricia J. Matthews Ihrig in 1991.
Her family will receive friends Wednesday, May 27, 2015 from 1 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Pam's memory are encouraged to Saltville, Virginia Rescue Squad;The Ninety-Nines (International Association of Women Pilots) Scholarship Fund or Altrusa International of Mansfield, Ohio.
Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Fonseca and Ihrig families.
To send them a message of sympathy and support, or watch a tribute video to George and Pam, visit: SnyderFuneralHomes.com - See more at:
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