Pamela Rose Frederick

Pamela Rose (Cruden) Frederick, age 80 of Newark, DE passed away on June 5, 2023. She was born on May 20, 1943 in Milwaukee, WI to the late John “Jack” Marion Cruden and Evelyn Betty (Bischoff) Cruden.

Pamela was gifted by God with a spirit of adventure and had an enthusiasm for learning new things all of her life. She had the most inviting and charismatic smile and made everyone she greeted feel welcomed. She always enjoyed teaching, whether it be in a classroom, within the community or  within her own family.

Pam was an only child but made lifelong friends in grammar and HS while growing up in Wauwatosa, WI.  She graduated with degrees in both Dance and Physical Education from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where she was also a member of Delta Zeta. After two years of teaching HS dance in Winnetka, IL, she entered her “NYC Era” where she was a professional Modern Dancer for six years with a number of companies including one led by Alwin Nikolais.  She also choreographed pieces in multiple cities and continued to teach modern dance at the Feidel School for the Creative Arts.  She loved improvisation as well and enjoyed performing all over NYC with a group called Stupendous Tremendous.

Pam stepped out into further adventures, including moving to California, where she met her husband, Norman Frederick.  After traveling together cross-country, they married and settled in Newark, Delaware.  There they purchased a church built in 1854 and converted it into a home; it is now on the US National Register of Historic Places. Pam was intimately involved in the planning and layout and her husband did the reconstruction.

She loved raising her children, Heidi (Frederick) Erney and David Frederick, and was very involved in extending their education in every aspect of life including: financial literacy, logic problems, Latin root words and a love of language. With her appreciation of stage and performance, she brought light and joy into the home, encouraging creative pursuits of all kinds, saying “play to the light” and “speak to the back of the room.”  She taught us to climb trees, learn how to land if we fell and always eat our vegetables!

Pam loved connecting with people and often created and joined groups to support other mothers and individuals (Nursing Mothers, PTA, Citizens Advisory Council, DE Money School, Red Hat, Changing Pathways).  When resources were not available, she had the chutzpah to make new connections.

Even through her long season of illness, she remained active.  When she discovered new things or the best deals, it brought Pam joy to share them with her family and others.

In recent years, she thoroughly enjoyed visits from Lori’s Hands’ student volunteers, and they loved talking with Pam and learning of her life adventures.

As a gifted archivist and organizer, Pam knew where everything was, especially within her home.  She not only had a keen memory but also cataloged information to help the family.

Pam had a caring spirit and consistently met the needs of others over her own. Those who knew her will carry on her legacy of education, curiosity and connection.

Pamela is survived by her husband of almost 46 years, Norman Frederick; daughter, Heidi (Frederick) Erney (husband Philip); son, David Frederick (wife Gabby); and five grandchildren: Branson Erney, Paige Erney, Simone Erney, Benjamin Frederick and Emma Frederick.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Newark Senior Center or Lori’s Hands, c/o R.T. Foard & Jones, Inc., 122 West Main Street, Newark, DE 19711.