In Loving Memory of Pamela Kay MacMillen

In loving memory of Pamela Kay MacMillen, born February 2, 1951, and passed peacefully on August 19, 2026.

Pamela was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan, grew up in Southern California, and then moved to Eureka to raise her children. She was the heart of our family, devoted to creating a lifetime of family traditions, laughter, and cherished memories. Family always came first to her. Her love for her family shaped how she lived each day.

She was a phenomenal cook whose soups and side dishes were sought out by many family and friends for celebrations. She once won third place in a community cook-off for her pork chop soup. She would always sell out when she made clam chowder at the Vista Del Mar. She fed many fishermen and their families over the years. Many fishermen and their wives will remember her as the feisty bartender who was small but mighty.

She made many friends while working at the oyster plant until retirement, when she was able to enjoy more time with her children and grandchildren. She taught us all through example the meaning of working hard to achieve what you want in life, being kind to those who are less fortunate, loving and supporting one another, and understanding what is truly important in life—all the things that money cannot buy. Her example reminds us to treasure each other every day.

She gave her children a zest for life and a sense of wonder and adventure that was passed on to her grandchildren. Her grandchildren loved the many memories made during birthdays, holidays, summers at Grandma’s, just hanging out, camping trips, walks to the little store, and especially time spent at Grandma’s house for Cousins’ Days. She taught us all to find happiness in the simple things in life. Her traditions will be shared for generations with so much love and the fondest memories.

Her love shone brightest in the little moments. Her love was the thread that held our family together. We will carry her with us always, and we will keep her love alive in the years to come, remembering her by living the love she gave to us all.

She was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, great-aunt, cousin, and respected friend to many.

She is survived by her husband, Donald MacMillen, who was grateful to provide her with love, companionship, and laughter for over 40 years. He gave her a life she always dreamed of—a life where she could be surrounded by and devote her time to the family she loved so deeply. She is survived by her daughter, Lesa Holt (Dale); grandchildren Ehlana Kirkpatrick (Roger), Katelyn Keffer, and Justin Keffer; and great-grandchildren Daniel, Shiloh, Jameson Kirkpatrick, and newest great-granddaughter Nora Lende Keffer.

She is survived by her son, Robert Freeman (Stephanie); grandchildren Rachel Freeman and Sean Freeman; and great-grandchildren Daisy, Dahlia, and Violet. She is survived by her grandsons, Trenten Emmons and Miles Cooper; and great-grandchildren Jackson, Elayna “Laney,” and Barrett “Beau” Emmons.

She is survived by her nephew, Michael Johnson, whom she loved and was so proud to witness become a man she respected, a father, and a parent raising his own children; and her great-nieces Nayellie “Ellie” and Natalia Johnson.

She is survived by her siblings and their families in Southern California: Thomas “Tom” Schopper, Randall Schopper, and William “Bill” (Donna) Schopper.

She is also survived by her beloved cousin, Bernadine “Bunny” Schopper, whom she reconnected with on social media and who provided telephone calls filled with belly-aching laughter—the kind you feel the next day. Pamela spoke often and fondly of family dinners around the table, watching Hee Haw and listening to her brothers play guitar, baseball games, and time at the beach. She loved watching her mom as she daydreamed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Darrell and Ivadell Schopper; her mother-in-law, Jeannette MacMillen, whom she lovingly considered her best friend; siblings Jim, Rod, and Patricia “Patty” Schopper; her beloved and cherished daughter, Theresa Freeman (Emmons and Cooper); and many friends.

Those who wish may consider a donation to UCSF Helen Diller Hospital in support of lung cancer research and patient care, and in honor of and appreciation for the care she received while she was there.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Pamela MacMillen’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.