July 13, 1951 - April 27, 2025
Gonnella, Pamela Gayle (nee Sagvold)
Age 73, of Rosemount, MN. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and advocate, died April 27, 2025, from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. Preceded in death by parents, Verne and Lorna Sagvold. Survived by husband, Joe; daughter, Sarah; sons, Mark (Ashley) and Luke (Ali); grandson, Marshall; and sisters, Colleen Koehler and Lori Sagvold.
Pam was raised in Richfield and graduated from the University of Minnesota, the University of Chicago, and William Mitchell College of Law. Her legal career was diverted by the severe brain damage Sarah suffered from viral encephalitis at age 5. Pam took care of Sarah at home for 25 years with the help of personal care attendants, including honorary Aunts Mary Dwire and Atsede Biru. Sarah’s illness introduced Pam to the disability community and she used her advocacy skills at the state capitol and in Washington D.C. on behalf of people with disabilities and those who care for them. She served on the boards of The Arc of Minnesota (as President from 2004 to 2005) and of Living Well Disability Services. Her advocacy was recognized by several awards, including Hero of The Arc from The Arc of Minnesota and the Tip of the Spear from MOHR.
Pam was kind, loving, and generous, ever ready to forgive.
We thank the director, nurse, and staff of Rivers of Life in Eagan for their exemplary care and loving community during Pam’s penultimate sojourn and for North Memorial Health Hospice for their compassionate care in her final days.
The service will also be live streamed at Advent UMC Eagan’s YouTube Channel
Memorials preferred to The Arc of Minnesota or Living Well Disability Services.
Visitation
Friday, May 16, 2025
9:30-11:00AM
Advent United Methodist Church
3945 Lexington Avenue South
Eagan, Minnesota 55123
Memorial Service
Friday, May 16, 2025
11:00 AM
Advent United Methodist Church
3945 Lexington Avenue South
Eagan, Minnesota 55123
I am so very sorry. Pam was such a special lady, so sweet and so lovely. I will miss her very much. Prayers and Gods blessings to you all ❤️
My sympathy to the family. Peace and happy memories of Pam continue with you in this difficult time. (Philippians 4:6-7)
So so sorry Joe.
Your friend from the Burnsville group❣️
Tim and Hilda Schryver
I am so so sorry. Pam was an amazing loving friend. We were next door neighbors when Sarah got sick. It was heart-wrenching. But both Pam and Joe never ever gave up.
My heart goes out to the entire family.
Pam is singing in God’s choir now! So wonderful to have known her through Advent UMC and as a neighbor. We had many chats about children and grandchildren after choir practice. My son says she made the best butter and baloney sandwiches and made him feel so welcome when he played with Luke in their home. Missing you dear lady. Condolences to the Gonella family.
I was sadden to see Pam’s obituary. We became friends in law school because we were seated next to each other in alphabetical order. We kept in touch for a few years after we graduated but we lost track of each other in recent years. I saw how she advocated for families in news reports so we can be sure that she touched many lives besides your immediate family. You are in my thoughts.