It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Pamela Ochs Schill of New Bern, NC. Born on January 22, 1949, in Brookville, Pennsylvania, she was a native of Tylersburg and a 1967 graduate of North Clarion High School. Affectionately known as Pam, she departed this life on February 23, 2026, with her husband and children at her side.

Pam was a devout Catholic and a member of the Saint Paul Catholic Church in New Bern. Pam spent her early years surrounded by the beauty of Cook Forest in northwestern Pennsylvania. In 1968, she married her high school sweetheart, Jerry. Their journey took them to Anchorage, Alaska, where Jerry served in the U.S. Air Force.

After leaving Alaska, Pam and Jerry returned to Pennsylvania and poured their energy into a small business of their own, Bride's Dream. Together, they helped countless couples prepare for their special day, offering everything from photography to bridal gowns and tuxedos. In 1984, their path led them to New Bern, North Carolina where Pam became an integral part of Nationwide Insurance - Tom Cox Agency. Pam & Jerry were active in other Christian circles most notably in Pro-Life. She was first involved in 1970 in Anchorage, Alaska before "Pro-Life" was a term as it was before Roe v. Wade. That advocacy for babies in the womb continued in Pennsylvania and North Carolina as they were both active with the Annual Life Chain and the Craven-Pamlico Christian Coalition, now known as the God and Country Christian Alliance.

She and Jerry returned to Pennsylvania in 2005 when they purchased a small farm in the Fryburg area. During that time, she was employed by Nationwide Insurance – Don Morris Agency in Titusville. They returned to North Carolina in 2009.

Pam volunteered countless hours on behalf of North Carolina's commercial fishing families through the North Carolina Fisheries Association and its Pamlico Auxiliary where Jerry was committed for over 30 years. Jerry and Pam made it their family mission to work on behalf of those who made their living on the water by fishing, shrimping, scalloping, crabbing and providing seafood to consumers. Their campsite at Deer Meadow Campground was very popular when they came to Cooksburg where seafood was cooked over an open fire.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jerry, who was her primary caregiver through her 12-year journey with dementia/Alzheimer's.

She is also survived by children, Andy (Michelle Schill) of Fuquay-Varina, Amy (Jason Willis) of New Bern, Sarah (Butch Midgett) of Manteo and Adam Schill of New Bern. Grandchildren, Miranda, Will, Hailey, Heather, Ashley, Ariel, Kayla, Tyler, Luke and Matthew. In addition to her family by blood, she is survived by her adopted sister, Darlene Stallings, who was her part-time caregiver and confidante for seven years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Shirley Ochs, oldest brother Gary Ochs and sister Maria Maxwell, brother-in-law, Bill Russell, sisters in law, Janet Eisenman and Mary Ann Farrell Lavery.

Finally, she was most happy when wearing red at certain times of the year. She was Mrs. Claus to Jerry's Santa. She brought laughter and joy to many while never forgetting the REASON FOR THE SEASON.

Pam's funeral Mass was held at Saint Paul Catholic Church in New Bern, NC on Friday, February 27, 2026.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Crown, Pennsylvania at 10:00am with Rev. John Nwankeo, parochial vicar, as celebrant. Burial will take place immediately following at the church cemetery.

Visitation with family will be at the church beginning at 8:45am to 9:45am prior to the 10:00am Mass.

If you prefer to donate in place of flowers, please consider honoring Pam through donations to Charitable Deeds & Services, 260 High Point Rd., Knox, PA 16232.