Born: May 10, 1952

Died: Feb. 28, 2015

Pamela Jean Schinkel (nee Olszak) died February 28, 2015, at the age of 62. Born May 10, 1952, in Chicago, the daughter of Angeline and the late John Olszak of Crystal Lake.

Pamela's greatest pride was being the loving mother of Julie DeBruyne and cherished grandmother of Alex DeBruyne. She left behind the love of her life, Rick Hoy, of Elgin; and beloved dog, Max. She will be greatly missed by her mother, Angeline; and her siblings, David (Vicki) Olszak, Denise (Paul) Krantz, Cathy Cahill, Mary (Jim) Matthei, Jane (Jim) Grant, John (Jackie) Olszak, Paul (Linda) Olszak, Tom (Autumn) Olszak, Peggy (John) Stahl, Amy (Tony) Remke and Anna (John) Olas. She is also survived by 32 nieces and nephews, and 9 great-nieces and great-nephews; and ex-spouse, Steven Schinkel.

Pamela attended St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School (Crystal Lake), Marian Central Catholic High School (Woodstock) and Mundelein College (Chicago). She will be missed by her many, many classmates, who she kept in contact with all of these years.

Pamela's career included Little City (Palatine) and Mt. St. Joseph (Lake Zurich) where she touched many lives and maintained many friendships.

During Pamela's three year battle with cancer, she was an inspiration, and exhibited tremendous strength. She showed that you can still be strong, even when you need help. In the end, she donated her body to research through Life Legacy, with cremation by Aero Trisons.

A memorial Mass is scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2015, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Terra Cotta and Oak St., in Crystal Lake. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Pamela's life.

Please omit flowers. Tax deductible donations can be made c/o the Pamela Schinkel Oncology Nursing Education Fund to benefit Advocate Sherman Cancer Care through Advocate Sherman Hospital, Advocate Charitable Foundation, 1425 N. Randall Rd., Elgin, IL 60123 and/or Memorials, c/o Julie DeBruyne, for an educational fund for Alex DeBruyne would be appreciated.