Pamela D. Colligan

Loudonville, NY-Pamela (Decker) Colligan, 78, of Loudonville, NY, was called home into God’s loving arms on Friday, October 28, 2022, with her devoted husband by her side. Born in Albany, NY, Pam was the daughter of the late Maurice Decker and Helen Rooney Milspaw. Following high school graduation, Pam enrolled at the College of Saint Rose, where she excelled, going on to earn both a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master’s Degree in Biology. After Saint Rose, Pam commenced what would be a long and distinguished career as a Research Biologist at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center. Over the course of more than four decades, Pam dedicated herself completely to her work, with a focus on Vitamin B12 research. Among other accomplishments, Pam had the distinct honor of being published many times in various scientific journals. It was during a chance meeting of the local Corvette Club in 1978 that Pam met the love of her life, Robert Colligan. They would marry less than a year following their first date and go on to experience the many joys of life over the course of more than forty years as husband and wife. Together, Pam and Bob especially enjoyed excursions to the ocean, from Maine to Florida and many special locations in between. They also spent years working together on a successful antiques and estate sale business. Never one to sit still, Pam immersed herself in her many passions and hobbies. She was a voracious reader and a gifted gardener. Pam graciously shared the wonderful bounty of her garden with family, friends and neighbors, and anyone who knew Pam was well aware of her annual quest to nurture and grow giant pumpkins in her garden. She toiled and tended to each pumpkin just as she did with everything and everyone in her life – with care, passion and a painstaking attention to detail. Pam also was an incredible cook and baker. The vast circle of family and friends that were fortunate enough to have received the gift of Pam’s pies, cakes, and most especially, her Christmas cookies, understood the genius of her skills and the generosity of her heart. To share Pam’s baked goods was to experience her love. Pam selflessly gave time and energy to various charitable organizations over the years, particularly those focused on the care of animals. In recent years, Pam was devoted to Kitten Angels, a non-profit dedicated to the rescue of cats and kittens through foster care and adoption. Without a doubt, Pam’s greatest loves were her husband, Bob, her animals, her family and her friends. Her kindness and generosity knew no bounds, and when Pam befriended you – and she befriended so many – she welcomed you into her heart and cared for you completely, with a focus and commitment like no other. Pam was predeceased by her parents; mother-in-law Jane Colligan; and nephew Christopher Colligan. Pam is survived by her devoted husband of 43 years, Robert; her well-loved feline companion, Cooper; brother Joseph (Cindy) Ginsburg; brother-in-law Ronald (Leila) Colligan; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends including Betty Dunphy, Mary Long and Ross and Amy Piscitelli. Funeral services will be private. Contributions can be made in Pam’s memory to Kitten Angels at 233 Houseman Street, Mayfield, NY 12117. Donations can also be made online at www.kittenangels.org. Condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mcveighfuneralhome.com. Finally, Bob would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the emergency responders and to the nurses and doctors at Albany Medical Center for their compassionate and dignified care of Pam.

Tributes

Pamela D. Colligan

October 5, 1944 - October 28, 2022