Obituary of Pamela Kaye Traphagen-Lowry

Pamela Kaye Traphagen-Lowry

Pamela Kaye Traphagen-Lowry, 64, left this world to paint the clouds on October 1, 2019. She was the firstborn child of Bruce and Esther Traphagen (née Schott) arriving with a flourish on Feb. 6, 1955 (to the many Millenials who knew and loved her, Dwight D. Eisenhower was the President of the United States then). If anything defined Pamela’s life it was a complete inability to be defined. She excelled in a diverse array of pursuits. Her family and friends were blessed with a place deep in her heart and her remarkable light honestly stole the focus in photographs.

Born in Ellendale, North Dakota, her childhood was spent in Claremont, SD; San Jose, CA; Walla Walla, WA; Brookings, SD; Renville, MN and Worthington, MN, where she graduated from high school. After a time living in Houston, TX, she graduated from college with a degree in computer science from Mankato State University. In recent years she continued her education at the University of California, San Diego.

In 1981 she had a son, Zane Eckhoff, around whom her sun revolved.

Pamela succeeded and certainly opened doors for other women in the technology industry. She generated some fear among co-workers but mostly earned a tremendous amount of love and respect working in information technology at Target Stores in Minneapolis. She retired early and, keeping her home in Minnetonka, purchased a home in Worthington, where she married the love of her life, Raymond Lowry. She soon became a mother to his two children, Stephanie and Dave.

She was deeply passionate in issues of social justice. Pamela believed in the best of humanity and she saw a bright future, if the future could be given a chance. For those who appeared on the wrong side of such issues, her wit was biting and quick; and her nearly-impossible-to-counter-arguments were even quicker. But in the end, regardless of beliefs or positions in opposition (as wrong as they may be), she would remind you that she loved you.

Pamela was spiritual, both in intellect and passion. She was well-traveled and found a home for her artistic soul in Paris. Some of her adventures became legendary among family and friends, but more often it felt like an adventure to simply be in the same room as her. It always felt like a privilege.

Pamela truly supported and believed in the people she loved. For those so fortunate, the task is now to become the exceptional people she believed we could be.

Pamela is survived by her husband Ray, son Zane and his wife Tara; sister Paula and her husband Curt; and brothers Michael and his wife Patty; and Mitchell and his wife Michelle; along with nephews Kellen, Wade, Zachary, Shane and Devin. She is also survived by many relatives, to whom Pamela would write letters in the most beautiful of handwriting, along with numerous friends with whom she shared her life. She was preceded by her parents and several dogs and cats who loved her to infinity.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Humane Society in Hennepin County at tinyurl.com/pamelakay

While there is nothing on this Earth that can replace Pamela’s light and love, our memories of her can be a balm for the pain in our hearts. Her art can serve to fill the suddenly empty space in our souls. And, perhaps, some measure of solace can be taken in the words of Oscar Wilde who said, “When good Americans die, they go to Paris.”