Pamela Gayle Gonnella (née Sagvold)

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.