Pamela Lucie VanBalen (nee Young), 74, of Elmhurst, IL., passed away on Friday, February 4, surrounded by her loving family. Pam was born on January 8, 1948, in Oak Park, IL., to Maynard H. and Catherine A. (Dolly) Young (nee Lemke) . She graduated from Trinity High School in River Forest in 1966.

She is survived by her mother in Elmhurst; her siblings: Robert Young (Alice), of Arlington Heights, IL., Richard Young (Rita) of Sun City West, AZ., Nanette LaJeunesse (Michael Ziemke) of Fontana, WI., Marilyn Stagno (Anthony) of South Barrington, IL., Valerie Michaels of Altamonte Springs, FL., Virginia Gronek (Mark) of Oak Brook, IL. and numerous nieces and nephews. She was prece ded in death by her father, Maynard, of River Forest, IL., and her sister, Kathryn A. (Thomas) Sloan (nee Young) of Westchester, IL.

Pamela was a beautiful, kind and generous person. She was a talented artist, decorator and creative problem solver who appreciated life to the fullest.  Pam was an active advocate for the care of all animals, and doted on her own kitty, Stubbs. She was the rock that stood firm in assisting her loved ones in so many ways throughout her lifetime, lifting spirits and inspiring souls. In a tribute to Pamela, her nephew, Adam Michaels, wrote: "To my second mother, my best friend, my favorite aunt, my mentor, my confidant, my protector, my guardian angel and my home: You are truly in my heart. Sleep now." Indeed, she truly was loved and will be remembered by us all. Pamela will be laid to rest next to her beloved father at St. Joseph's Cemetery in River Grove.

A wake will take place from 4 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 10 at The Elms Funeral Home in Elmwood Park. On Friday, February 11, at 10:30 a.m., prior to the 11:30 a.m. Mass, Pamela will lie in state at Visitation Catholic Church in Elmhurst. Following Mass, burial services will be held at St. Joseph's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).