Hudson – Pamela J. (Linane) Szretter of Hudson, MA departed the earthly world on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 with so many family members with her, we nearly needed to rent a hall, just like at Christmas. She was a much loved and admired family member.
Diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency in her early 30s, she educated herself and many in the medical field how Alpha-1 affected the body, including lungs and the liver. She was a mentor to newly diagnosed patients who were fearful of their new diagnose, and joined a number of Facebook groups for COPD, and Alpha-1 specifically. She was our Alpha-1 “Warrior”.
She was accepted by Brigham Women Hospital for a double lung transplant in 2010. Unfortunately, although she did receive a call as a backup in 2018, the lungs were not viable, and she never had another opportunity.
Pamela was born in Natick, MA, the daughter of William F. and June L. (Phinney) Linane, and stepmother, Mary (Brackett) Linane aka Mama Mary.
Pam was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald J. Szretter (2010), her sister, Cynthia Bowman (2008), and brother, Dennis P. Linane (2015).
Pam is survived by her children Stacy Cloutier of Athol, MA, her son, John J. Ramsey III ( Victoria), of Marlboro, MA, and Stepdaughter, Debora L. Szretter of NH. In addition she is survived by siblings, Cheryl A. Ashley, NH, Karen Galasso of Hudson, MA, Christine (Shawn) Carpenter of Coventry, RI, and William J. (Deb) Linane of NH; step-siblings Lou Ann (Derek) D’Amico of Hopedale, MA, Gary Leavitt of Milford, MA, Linda Dumont of Blackstone, Robert Leavitt of Natick, MA, and Karen Leavitt of Bellingham, MA. Also survived by her grandchildren Jade, Sarah, Amanda, Caitlyn, Tessa, and Brendan, and many, many nieces and nephews.
A 1973 graduate of Natick High School, Pam was employed for over 20 years as a real estate paralegal for Cunningham, Mechanic, Cetlin, Johnson, Harney, & Tenney, LLP, until her retirement due to her illness. She enjoyed reading, and before she became too ill, she and her husband loved casinos from Las Vegas to Connecticut, and for many years to gamble in Nova Scotia via ferry from Maine.
Considered the “shy one”, she overcame her shyness working a second job at the Natick VFW. She interviewed people to know them better, often knowing more about them in 5 minutes than perhaps their families. Pam was also active with the Natick VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and was a past president and secretary, as well as a lifetime Auxiliary member.
At her request, she has been cremated and there will be no service. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023 from 4-8pm at the Natick VFW Post 1274, 113 West Central Street, Natick, MA 01760.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alpha-1 Foundation online at www.alpha1.org/donate or by mail to Alpha-1 Foundation, 3300 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134.
She also requested that if you are not already a donor, please consider organ donation. There are so many waiting for a 2nd chance.
Lastly to all of the doctors, nurses, and caregivers THANK YOU for your care. A special shoutout to her infusion nurse and friend of more that 23 years, Mona.
The John Everett & Sons Funeral Home of Natick assisted with arrangements.
