Pamela Cassiano Curnel

June 16, 1952 – May 26, 2023

Pamela Cassiano Curnel, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family and friends after a private battle with pancreatic cancer.

Pam was born June 16, 1952, to Joseph Sr. and Marylou Cassiano. She was one of five children.

Pam graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1970 and attended Big Bend Community College and Central Washington University.

In 1984 Pam met the love of her life, Dr. David Curnel. They were married on July 9, 1985, in Springfield, Illinois. Pam has one daughter, Melissa Curnel, and three grandchildren David, Antonio and Giovanni Pendleton, whom she loved dearly and was the best Nona to. They moved to Rochester, Washington and owned and operated Rochester Medical Clinic. While living in Rochester David, Pamela and Melissa made a life-changing choice, and participated in the foreign exchange student program and hosted a young man by the name of Bijan Modanlu, who ultimately became the son they never biologically had. Pam’s love for dance helped her envision, build, and operate Pamela’s Dance and Performing Arts Studio. After being away for 10 years, they moved back to Moses Lake to be close to her family and the community that she missed and loved. Pam had an unwavering and strong love and relationship for her brothers. She was very proud of her last name Cassiano and she used it at any opportunity.

Pam was a professional choreographer and dancer. She enjoyed choreographing for the Moses Lake High School Musicals for 16 years before retiring.

Pam was Mrs. Washington America 1993 and Mrs. Italy 2022. After finishing her reign as Mrs. Washington 1993, she became the executive state director for Mrs. Washington America under the franchise of Mrs. America, Inc.

She had just celebrated her 30th year as the executive state director. Pam devoted herself to mentoring hundreds of women, guiding them and sharing her knowledge, wisdom, and love for pageantry. Her unwavering support and guidance transformed the lives of countless women, empowering them to reach for the stars. She had an undying dedication to push women to achieve more than they thought they could.

Pam was a huge gift giver and an extraordinary party planner with a huge sense of humor. Her door was always open and she always made sure you left her home happier than you arrived. She was also very involved in her community and state events. One of her biggest highlights in life was performing in Las Vegas with her daughter Melissa and her dance company, Sister Queen Performers.

Pam leaves behind her husband of 38 years, Dr. David Curnel; daughter Melissa Curnel; three grandsons David, Antonio, and Giovanni Pendleton; son Bijan Modanlu; brothers Joseph Cassiano Jr. (Janet) and John Cassiano (Lori); and nieces and nephews Joseph Cassiano III (Mary), Evan Cassiano (Cree) and Erin Suarez (Alvin). She also leaves behind many great-nieces and nephews, many cousins, and a numerous amount of friends, all of whom love her and will miss her tremendously.

Pamela is preceded in death by her parents Joe Cassiano and Marylou Newcomb, her brother Rick Cassiano and her sister Linda.

Funeral services will be held on June 9, 2023, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 200 N. Dale Road, Moses Lake, Washington. Rosary will start at 10 a.m., with Mass immediately following. A celebration of life luncheon will be held at The Fatima Center located next to the church immediately following the funeral. Contributions can be made to Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.

Please express your thoughts and memories at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser’s Chapel of Memories of Moses Lake, Washington.