After a life of faith, hope and charity, Pamela Marion Mahoney Rudd departed this life on Jan. 24 at her home surrounded by family.
With unceasing love and unselfish service, Mrs. Rudd walked 72 years upon this earth. Born in Dunlap to the late Marion Doolittle Mahoney and James Leonard Mahoney, she was the oldest of eight siblings. Her grandparents were Cordelia Daughtery Mahoney and Oscar Mahoney and Leita Agee Doolittle and Earl Doolittle. She was preceded in death by a brother, John Paul.
Mrs. Rudd graduated from Sequatchie County High School and participated in the marching band. She also attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
At age 13 she went to work at Cate’s Pharmacy, in Dunlap as a “soda jerk.” When the family moved to Chattanooga, Mrs. Rudd went to work at Eastgate Toyland. She also worked at the May Family’s A&M Toys and Hobby stores in East Ridge and at Highland Plaza. After raising her family, she worked for Little Caesars at the East Brainerd and Brainerd Village stores, where she was known affectionately as “Miss Pam.” She retired in December.
She was active in pro-life activities and served in several offices, including president of the Chattanooga chapter of Tennessee Right to Life.
Her joys were her grandchildren and cooking.
Mrs. Rudd is survived by her husband of 40 years, Robin; six children, Marie Bishop (Will), Rachel Muracka, Maggie Caruso (Ryan), Rebecca Parkes (Andrew), Charles (Amelia), and Anne.
Her love embraced 14 grandchildren, to whom she was known as “Muggie,” and many nieces and nephews.
Surviving siblings include Becky Elam (Larry), Emilie Cavin (Jim), Chris (Patti), Pat (Karen), Mike (with Toni Goodman), and Mark (Teresa).
Pallbearers were Pat Mahoney, Mike Mahoney, Mark Mahoney, Jeremy Mahoney, David Mahoney, and Charles Rudd. Honorary pallbearers were Chris Mahoney, Shane Mahoney, Lance Elam, Nick Whitfield, and Dylan Mahoney.
A funeral Mass for Mrs. Rudd was celebrated Jan. 29 at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul in Chattanooga, with Father David Carter serving as the celebrant. The burial followed the funeral Mass at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Chattanooga.
Donations in Mrs. Rudd’s memory can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
