Pamela Jean Murphy, age 54, passed away on February 6, 2026, at her home following a long struggle to find answers about her health. She was born on December 16, 1971, in Troy, MO and was raised there with her siblings Patricia, Martin, Melissa and Jennifer. In 1985 the family moved to Appleton, WI, and soon after, Pam graduated from Appleton West High School.

Pam was truly the glue that held her family together. She was the “house mom” for her children’s friends-her home was a place they could come for respite when things became tough. She had a rare ability to see through people’s “stuff” and never let an opportunity pass to call them out when their ideas were off base. Still, even though she could see the truth, she was not someone who naturally said “no” when people needed help. She was one to capture the moment and was never willing to let an experience pass her by.

Pam had a wonderful sense of humor. Her kids claim it was mostly a dorky kind of humor. She was not known to be one who was the center of attention and often used humor to deflect from that attention and even pain. As her illness progressed, she was often the one who would find the humor in it. She encouraged people to “laugh at my pain,” but in truth, it was a defense mechanism that allowed her to survive the difficulties.

She loved her family and focused on her children. She was ever present at any and every sporting event! She followed Kenzie for her cheer competitions, and cheered Tristen on from the sidelines. When troubles hit, she was the one her children called-and she was always there to lend a hand and a shoulder to lean on. Pam was selfless and generous.

Pam was known for being hard-headed, and stubborn. She was independent to a fault sometimes. Her perfectionist tendencies helped her to progress professionally, and she was well known for her ability to make things happen and ensure things were done right. Throughout her 30-year career at Plexus, she was a true leader. Not only did she have a strong work ethic, but she inspired that hard work in others as well. Pam had wanderlust throughout her life, and travelled often for work, but also with her children. To say she felt rooted to the world would not have been an understatement.

Pam is survived by her children Tristen Reed and Mackenzie Murphy; sister Melissa (Dave) Murray, Martin (Vickie) Lato, Patricia (Ahmed) Youssef. She is further survived by her mother Kathryn (James) Moore, and uncle Thomas Murphy, uncles-in-law Henry Francis, John Boice, as well as many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father Delmer Murphy, her sister Jennifer Murphy, her grandparents: McKinley and Adeila Murphy and Martin and Phyllis Awishus, her aunts Monica Francis, Marie (Jim) Walker, Clara Boice.

A memorial service for Pam will take place on Saturday February 28, 2026, at 3:00pm, at Wichmann Funeral Home-Tri County Chapel, 1592 S Oneida St, Menasha. Friends and family may gather at the funeral home from 1:00pm until the service begins.