Pamela Campbell Mead

Pamela Campbell Mead — Pam to everyone who knew and loved her — passed away peacefully at Panorama Convalescent & Rehabilitation Center in Lacey, Washington on April 12, 2026 at the age of 77.

Born on December 14, 1948 in Seattle, Washington to Alex and Marj Campbell, Pam was raised in the Pacific Northwest and never stopped calling it home. She grew up in Seattle's Maple Leaf neighborhood, a curious and devoted student from an early age. She attended the University of Washington, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Cum Laude, before going on to complete a graduate degree in public administration at the UW Evans School of Public Affairs. It was there that she met Norm Mead, the man who would become her husband and partner in life.

Pam and Norm began their life together with a honeymoon in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, and travel remained a defining thread throughout their marriage. Before Ken came along, they made a pilgrimage to Lossiemouth, Scotland, the hometown of Pam's father. When their son Ken came along, the family explored Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, where they traveled with Olympia friends to visit family, often with Pam's mother Marj. One of the most memorable journeys came after hosting a French exchange student in their Olympia home: the family later traveled to Bordeaux to visit his family in return, a trip that captured something essential about how Pam moved through the world — generously, curiously, and with care for the people she met along the way.

Pam devoted her career to public service in Washington state, working across nearly every level of state government for more than three decades. She began as a budget analyst, providing spending recommendations to multiple governors and the state legislature. In 1989 she helped start Washington's new Department of Health — one of the more remarkable chapters of a remarkable career. In her later years she moved into public finance, arranging the complex, behind-the-scenes bond financing that allows hospitals to expand, colleges to build, and families to find affordable housing. Over her career she helped direct more than a billion dollars toward the people of Washington state — work that rarely makes headlines but quietly shapes lives. She retired in 2007 after thirty-five years of service — a career defined by her commitment to good government and her genuine belief that public service mattered.

At home in Olympia, Pam cultivated a life rich in culture, language, and human connection. She was an avid reader and a beloved member of her book club — friends learned quickly never to bet against her on a plot twist. She was part of Olympia's French club and opened her home to exchange students over the years. In later years she became a devoted Seahawks fan, and more than once her nail art made her allegiances unmistakably clear. When her mother Marj needed more support later in life, Pam made sure she was never far — just down the block, and there for her every day with the warmth and devotion that was simply who she was. In her final years, Pam lived with Alzheimer's disease, and remained surrounded by the love of Norm, who visited her every day, and Ken, who frequently visited from Seattle.

Pam is survived by her husband of 38 years, Norm Mead, and their son Ken Mead of Seattle. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alex and Marj Campbell.

A memorial service will be held on May 30th at 11am at Funeral Alternatives, 455 North Street SE, Tumwater, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the UW Evans School of Public Policy and Governance's Undergraduate Public Service Scholar Fund , which supports students pursuing careers in public service. To give, visit: evans.uw.edu/giving or call 877-UW-GIFTS (877-894-4387) and mention the fund.