Hey mom we're thinking about you and missing you everyday. I miss your laughter and i miss your smile i miss talking to you and i miss you... love Steve

Recalling some good times, especially your riotous fits of hysterical laughter, that would then catalyze Joanne's similar paroxysm of glee. Tears rolling down cheeks. . .
Such moments - much missed.
Love

I had the distinct privilege of raising 3 outstanding children with this talented lovely lady. Along with our children, I too mourn her passing.

Thinking about all of you today. Your mom was a lovely person.

'those who travel unknown paths find the rarest flowers' hindu
Blessings for your mother Pamela. She must have been truly an amazing person to have guided such an incredible daughter into the world. Surely, her spirit lives through you and your siblings. Blessings to you also always. . . kerry

Hello Mom! It's been 3 years now.... So often we think of you, wish we could show you something, share a meal, pick up the phone and just have a chat. Love you love you love you.

Happy Birthday Mom! I think about you so much.... I celebrate you today and remember you. I remember your crazy, goofy laughter. I remember your passionate spirit. I remember your creative spark and your loving sweetness. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you so much. love always, Pamela

Such a beautiful spirit, woman, mother and friend. Missing you all the time. Wish I could hear your voice. Still grieving our loss. I know you are in a peaceful and blissful place of light and love. Love you Mom.

I remember us dancing to Just the way you look tonight. Whenever Shelley sings this in public she always mentions you and though you had a terrible disease you loved singing and dancing. It was and is an honor to meet you, your family and thanks for lovely memories.

Mom its been two years and I miss you everyday...

Virtually every day I play one of the Kung recorders you left behind, and remember our time together. Thankful for your introducing me to that instrument from which I have derived so much pleasure.

Shelley and I are the blessed ones to have ever had you in our presence. You have left a legacy, your talent and a fabulous family.

Dear Grandma,
I miss you and think of you often. My life has kept me very busy in recent years. Living far away, going to school, and having a child have made for a full life. So full that I regret not seeing you more. I have so many wonderful memories of you. Your beauty and kindness. Your nurturing and love. Your art. I've always loved your art. Your wildness and soft loving eyes. Your laughter. Your infectious laughter. I think fondly of our family laughing hysterically at the dinner table until we cried. I wish I could have another day, another year, another lifetime to laugh with you. To hold your hand and feel your unconditional love and support. You were the best grandmother I could imagine. I will love you always. Wherever you are I hope you are at peace and surrounded by love.
Love Always,
Leah

A whole year without you Mom. It feels like ten, and sometimes like only days have passed. I am always reaching for the phone, to share a story, hear your voice.... I still can't believe that you are gone. Wherever you are, you are not forgotten. Your love, creativity, silliness, laughter and kindness will forever fill our hearts. I love you so much. I love you so much.

I am so very honored to have been a part of the wonderful celebration of Alberta's life. So many faces I had never seen. What a wonderful family you created! My love to all. To have such a loving legacy is something only one can hope for.

Thank you Alberta for Pamela. She is a guiding light in my life and much of the light and love that she bestows on others has been passed to her from you.

Tonight, after a wonderful memorial celebration of Alberta's life, we stood outside watching watching the clear sky, with one large cloud on the horizon. This cloud put on the most amazing lightning display, for quite a long time. We envisioned that this was Alberta's new palette, and she was putting on a show for us. At one point, we said "Thanks, Alberta," and immediately there was the brightest burst of light we had seen.

Pamela,
Sending lots of love to you and your family, as you celebrate the life of your beloved mother... My thoughts are with you....

I never met Alberta, but I am stunned by seeing some of her incredible artwork. Her daughter Pamela is a true gift to all of us who know her!
Happy Birthday to Pamela's mom!

Bertie, as I sometimes was moved to call her, was a terrifically creative, sweet, and sometimes fiery soul. I felt graced to be so readily accepted by her into the bosom of the family after Joanne and I fell in love. It was truly an effortless transition, as she and Ken became my second family (Steve and Pamela included). Alberta was diminutive in size, but large in spirit -- her remarkably prolific and varied artistry attests to that, but so did the loving care she bestowed on so many furry friends, as well as her passionate embrace of, sorry Steve, liberal politics -- apparently primarily stemming from her ardor for social justice.

The fire erupted when she witnessed injustice, as well as when personally disrespected, and she could be intense when so incensed. Yet an opposite quality emerged when her funny bone was tickled, as characterized best when she, and her equally vulnerable daughters and granddaughter, erupted into a veritable storm of hysterical laughter over some amusing moment. At such times, those of us not so genetically disposed, would sit in wonder at the cacophony of high-pitched hysterically funny screams and eye-watering laughter, that left them doubled up in glee -- each crescendo of giggles triggering a yet louder burst of laughter.

Then too, Bertie was prone to emit cute little moans and sighs at various times -- a gentle purring that forever endeared her to me. As did her frequent generosity, ever present in so many ways, and most regularly manifest at table, when she would lovingly ply us with a robust abundance of food.

I was also grateful for the rare moments when she provided some family adhesiveness, as it were. I speak of times when Joanne, my wife and her daughter, would be upset with me -- always with ample justification, of course. Joanne might then complain to her mother, whom she called regularly, so great was her love for her, of my insensitive behavior. (Sorry Joanne!) Alberta, as Joanne relayed to me later, would suggest she be patient, that perhaps I wasn’t altogether so bad, that for the most part she probably had a good thing in me, and in so doing, temper my dear wife’s ire. Thanks, Alberta. I really needed that -- still do, in fact. In similar fashion, she often acted as peacemaker when other small family conflicts arose, as they will invariably do in families, smoothing the path to an easy resolution.

It was with unspeakable sadness and dismay that I witnessed Alberta’s decline from the ravages of her illness. That such a stout soul should be so reduced strikes me as a travesty. During that process I was able to wonder at the love she had so clearly instilled in her family, whose steadfast support of her, love for her was so manifest as she steadily declined -- ample testament to her and their capacity for love.

Hey mom its another new year and its just not the same without you. I miss you and love you and wanted to let you know I am always thinking about you and missing you..

Never have I developed a faster friendship with anyone. We synched from the first eye contact. I could touch her soul through music until the last few days of her life. When I sang she closed her eyes and held my hand in a special way to let me know she could hear me. What a talented, peaceful, loving soul. Never to be forgotten. Thank you Alberta for touching my life as so few have

I never met Alberta, but her daughter Pamela is such a gem. Sending much love to your family.

I didn't get to know your mom because I live in NC. I did spend some time with her while getting ready for Joanne & George's wedding here-she was so much fun! I have enjoyed viewing this lovely website and her own two websites! I feel I know her so much better & can see she was truly a loving, compassionate, talented & creative person who will be greatly missed.I am so sorry for your loss.

I loved your mom. Creative, kind, and a pure good soul. Her artwork was charged with the imaginative unconscious. I will miss her and my prayers and thoughts for your family at this time.

I remember Alberta most for her warm smile, kind words, and her amazing artwork. She lived life with an open, loving heart. This lives on in her wonderful legacy: Steve, the most loyal and kind friend I have ever known, and his sisters, Pamela, and Joanne. Sending love and prayers to you all.

Alberta had a love for people and curiosity about life which made her so endearing. I am so glad to have shared some time with her while she was her vibrant self. I know she is missed by her loving family and friends. Pamela and I have her art around our home, so her presence lives on with us each day.

My dearest Mom~Words cannot express the love & respect & admiration I hold in my heart for you.You were my best friend,a valued confident,a safe haven,a keen adviser,an inspirational artist,& the matriarch of our family.You & I shared a love & appreciation for music & the arts,our furry friends & plants galore.As the days pass,I am surrounded by precious memories & thoughts of you.Love you

Alberta and I shared the same birthday and were best friends since our children were young. We both loved art and even took guitar lessons together. She taught my son Rick the recorder and I knitted her a sweater. Like sisters, we spent many happy hours together. We will all miss her gentle kindness and ready laughter but she is in a better place now..We all loved you, Alberta.

Alberta was the best grandmother anyone could have ever asked for. She was always happy and positive and would go out of her way to make sure everyone around her was as comfortable and happy as possible. She was an amazing artist, better than Salvador Dali. I truly believe one day she will be discovered and her art will live on in gallery's around the world. She will be deeply missed.

I have many fond memories of visiting the Showalter house as a child. I remember Mrs. Showalter painting and encouraging Pam and me to be creative with our coloring books, making greeting cards and other art projects. She always welcomed me so much that I never wanted to leave and often stayed for dinner. She created a house was always filled with art, music and love.

We're sorry we never had a chance to meet Alberta in person but we see her light shining through Pamela and know how strong their love for each other was - and always will be.
We add our blessings and send our love...

Such a beautiful memorial site; thank you for sharing. Pamela, sending you and your family so much love. Getting to see a bit of your lovely mother through this site is such a blessing. Our thoughts and hearts are with you.
Much love,
Dave and Brittany

I never knew Alberta, but I have known Pamela for a good many years.
The love, joy, compassion, intelligence, gentleness and often serenity that I have seen in Pamela were obviously passed on to her by this wonderful woman and mother. May Alberta's way now be blessed by light and love from all those who loved her and her beautiful children.

What a beautiful tribute! I'm sorry to have never met Alberta, she sounds like an amazing person. She must have been very special as I see such kindness and gentleness in her daughter Pamela. Thanks for the beautiful tribute. My prayers and thoughts are with you Pamela and your family. Much love to you, Lynn

I know that Alberta's sweet daughters and son will miss her so....the times I met her she was gentle, thoughtful, smart - all qualities instilled in her children. And her art - well that speaks its own language - creative, surprising and a lasting footprint on the world. Much love to you all.

I am touched to see these wonderful photos of Alberta from different times in her life. She was such a generous, encouraging, and kind friend. I was in awe of her creativity and imagination, and her art truly stands out in its originality and craftsmanship. We have all been enriched by knowing her, and she will be dearly missed. Thank you for sharing the memories of her in happier times.

This legacy of Alberta's life in pictures, is a storybook of a life artfully lived. Thank you so much for sharing her journey with all of us Pamela.
We all share in your loss of this beautiful soul who you called mother. May the candle of her soul continue to burn brightly.

Alberta was my mother-in-law, and a fine and funny one she was. Ever supportive, ever generous, she could also be a fiery champion for her causes, be they political ones or ones related to her many furry friends. Some of the most intriguing and amusing little noises could emanate from her – endearing little moans and delicate little uuhs and aahs. [see next message - to be continued]

. As mothers-in-law go, she was the tops, the best one could hope for . . . and I’ll be forever grateful to have had the opportunity to know her and to call her Family.

[please read this and the 2 messages following in reverse order - too long to include in one message.]

To my dear friend, Joanne, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved mother, Alberta. Please know that I am keeping you and your family in my prayers and thoughts and am sending you lots of love and blessings......

Beautiful to see your mom's photos with her family, Joanne. I'm holding all of you in my heart and sending prayers for her as she takes her latest journey. 

With love, Kathryn

And the laughter – forgetaboutit; when amused, and especially when resonating with her daughter Joanne’s own ebullient chortle, she could erupt into such a fit of hysterical, protracted merriment that no one within earshot could resist the impulse to join in. [oops; more to come; read the next. to be continued]

Although I never met Alberta, I see her beauty, heart, creativity and generosity through her daughter Pamela.
Many blessings through this difficult time....
Caroline

What a beautiful website, a heartfull tribute to a wonderful lady. Our hearts are with you Pamela.
Sending you and your family waves of warm hugs,
Love always,
Monique & the Evers boys

We feel like we knew her through you Pamela. I see her love and kindness through you. We are glad her suffering is over. Our thoughts are with you all who's past and here. Thanks for sharing Pamela!
Kurt and Sarnai

What beautiful photos of such a creative life. Our thoughts and hearts are with you and your family. Wishing you peace and love in your memories. Love, Lorri & Bob

I will light a candle for Alberta at the Black Madonna of Einsiedeln on Tuesday, October 8, and for you, Pamela. My heart is with you. Love, Toni

Yellowstone Park mid 60's - In our Vokswagen bus. Grizzley bear wandering across the road in front of us. I stopped, and the inquisitive grizzly came over and reared up on the VW windshield. Alberta did a Houdini and disappeared under the glove compartment cowling in the blink of an eye. Joanne, Pamela and Stephen squealed with laughter at the sight of her hiding.

I never knew Alberta or the family, but I see Alberta's warmth and love, her artistic grace and deep sensitivity, in Pamela.  My heart is with you all as you pass on through this sorrowful time. You are blessed with a mother whose creative and compassionate life will keep shining on in you and in your memories of her.