Pamela Holden

Pamela Sue Holden passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025, at her sister’s home in Scottsdale, Arizona, due to complications following a lung transplant she received in 2022. She left this world surrounded by love, joining her beloved husband, Don Holden, and cherished daughter, Shannon Holden.

Pam was born in Midland, Texas, on April 21, 1955, to Odette (McWhirter) and Ethemer “Pete” Lee. She married the love of her life, Don Holden, on May 22, 1976. Together, they raised two daughters: Shannon Holden and Rebecca Isaacs (Holden) of Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

In December 1988, the Holden family moved to Portales, New Mexico, where Pam pursued her passion for assisting those with speech and language disorders at Eastern New Mexico University. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in 1991 and her Master’s in Communicative Disorders in 1993. Pam was a proud member of Phi Kappa Phi, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and the New Mexico Speech-Language-Hearing Association. She also served as President of the Student Speech and Hearing Association during her time at ENMU.

Pam dedicated her career to helping children as a Speech-Language Pathologist with Portales Municipal Schools. She found great joy in working with students of all ages, but her heart was especially drawn to helping kindergarteners overcome speech challenges.

Family was Pam’s greatest joy. She adored the Christmas season, bringing warmth and happiness to every celebration. Her love extended to her dogs, Cookie and Missy, whom she spoiled with affection. Pam had a vibrant spirit—she loved the color pink, relaxing in hot baths, and shopping trips with her sister at Chico’s. Her radiant smile and cheerful demeanor could brighten anyone’s day.

Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Odette and Pete Lee; her husband, Don Holden; and her daughter, Shannon Holden. She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Isaacs, of Rio Rancho, NM; her sister, Candy Durkee, of Scottsdale, AZ; Candy’s husband, Rick Durkee; her son-in-law, Timothy Isaacs; her grandchildren, Meganne Wallon (Holden) of Medina, OH, Bailey Isaacs and Cameron Isaacs of Rio Rancho, NM; Meganne’s husband, Stephen Wallon; and her great-grandchildren, Marshall and Amelia Wallon.

A celebration of Pam’s life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Rio Rancho Presbyterian Church. In honor of Pam’s love for pink, guests are encouraged to wear her “signature color”.