Pam Nordaune

Pam Nordaune — beloved wife, daughter, sister, stepmother, aunt, and friend — passed away on June 18, 2026.

Born February 12, 1960, to Donna and Vernon Nordaune, Pam grew up in Austin, Minnesota, graduating from Austin High School in 1978. She went on to St. Olaf College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1982. Her professional life included meaningful work at Hamline Law School and the Science Museum of Minnesota, and numerous other non-profit organizations where she dedicated her time and talents to making the world a better place.

Pam loved deeply and was deeply loved. She will be remembered for her creativity, care for others and generous spirit. A passionate advocate, she gave her time and energy to the people and causes she believed in, showing up, making calls, and knocking on doors - often with a four-legged companion at her side. Pam was a gifted writer and brought thoughtfulness, humor, and beauty to everything she wrote. A birthday card from Pam always included a combination of wit and heartfelt expressions of love. Whether at a cozy dinner party, a local coffee shop or at the cabin, Pam’s presence lit up a space, complete with her unique laugh and signature style of bold colors and pink lipstick.

In November 2004, Pam married Jim Haight, her soulmate and partner. Together they built a life full of funky music, colorful meals, and infectious laughter. Pam’s love for Jim was one of the great defining relationships of her life. Pam also dearly loved Jim’s children, Sarah and Ryan, who became her beloved children. She opened their worlds, introducing them to vast and varied experiences and guiding them through the application process and into the colleges where they would thrive. She held a special devotion for her favorite nephew, Charlie and was his steadfast cheerleader.

Throughout her life, Pam poured herself into deep friendships, especially with her sister, Drea, and a tight-knit circle of strong women who showed up for one another through every chapter of life.

Pam’s love extended to the dogs who brought her endless joy — Mac, Fenway, Zia, Wilson, and Holly — and to the community she found during walks and time spent at Battle Creek Dog Park, where she will be dearly missed.

Pam was also one of life’s great givers. She gave beautifully and abundantly, through carefully chosen gifts beautifully prepared food, and most often through the generosity of her presence. Over the years, she lovingly devoted herself to the role of caregiver, first for Drea’s husband, Jeff, then for her beloved husband Jim, and later for her parents, bringing comfort, dignity, and joy to each. The world feels quieter without Pam, but her bright beam

of purple light remains in the lives she touched, the love she gave, and the countless ways she made life better for those around her.

Preceded in death by her husband, Jim Haight, and her father, Vernon Nordaune, Pam is survived by her mother, Donna Nordaune; her sister, Andrea Nordaune; her stepchildren, Sarah Haight and Ryan Haight; her nephew, Charlie Weill; and many dear friends and extended family.

A memorial service to celebrate Pam’s life will be held in September. Additional details will be shared at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the Southern Poverty Law Center, Planned Parenthood North Central States, or the Animal Humane Society.