Pamela Joy Sorensen

Pamela Joy Sorensen passed peacefully into eternity surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, January 17, 2026 in Lake Oswego, OR. Born in Missoula, MT on November 21, 1934, she was the younger daughter of Elton and Bernice Brechbill. Though she was raised in town, her best friend lived on a ranch and she spent the majority of her childhood on horses. She would often reminisce how they would ride all day and never see a fence. Pam began violin lessons at the age of 5 and loved to perform for all who would listen with her older sister, Beryl, accompanying her on piano. Throughout her life she was known for her delicious pies. The most famous one being a cherry pie that took first place in a 4-H pie baking contest, winning her and a friend a trip to Chicago. Pam graduated with honors from the University of Montana in 1957, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. After college, she was ready to get out on her own and took a job teaching music in a small school in Helena, MT. On August 16, 1958, she married the love of her life Frank Curtis Sorensen, whom she had dated while at U of M. They loaded up a trailer and spent their honeymoon driving and camping across the country to Gainesville, FL where she would give birth to their first son, Curtis. While Frank pursued his masters degree, Pam enjoyed being a mom and homemaker and playing violin in a string quartet with other professional musicians from the University of Florida. After two years in Florida, the family moved to Corvallis, OR, where Pam and Frank would spend the next 60 years. They added another son Tom, daughter Keely, and daughter Solveig to their family. As an adult, Pam received Jesus as her Lord and Savior and faithfully walked with Him the rest of her life. Pam and Frank volunteered in many capacities at the churches they attended over the years and became “family” wherever they went. Pam loved living and serving in the Corvallis community as well- teaching violin, playing in the Corvallis-OSU Symphony Orchestra and in a string quartet, and was a school music teacher (for a season). She could often be seen riding her bike for errands and enjoyment, walking her miniature schnauzers, or enjoying conversation over a cup of coffee with Frank. The door to their home in downtown Corvallis was always open. Strangers were the only ones who knocked. Pam loved to share her gift of music and spent many years playing for residents at the Corvallis Manor each week. She also loved adventure—camping, cross-country road trips, hiking, and travel, both here and abroad. But her family was her biggest pride and joy. Pam spent her last 5 years at Mary’s Woods in Lake Oswego, OR where she has been lovingly cared for in every capacity. Though we mourn her loss, we celebrate that she is in the presence of God and reunited with her beloved husband and all the loved ones who have gone before her. Pam was known for her unwavering gratefulness to God for His goodness and provision in her life, her fierce love for her family, making and teaching music, hospitality, correcting your grammar, her beautiful smile and joyful spunk. She lived up to her name and was a joy to all who knew her. Pam is preceded in death by her beloved husband of almost 64 years, Frank Curtis Sorensen. She is survived by her sons, Curtis (Linda) and Tom (Amy); her daughters, Keely and Solveig (Nate); her grandchildren, David, Melissa, Ryan, Alex, Austin, and Shannon; her sister, Beryl; nieces, Camilla, Antonia, and Marcy; nephew Bruce; and nine great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held for Pam on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 1pm at First Baptist Church- 125 NW 10th St. Corvallis, OR 97330. It would warm her heart for any memorial gifts to be given to Corvallis OSU Symphony Orchestra or Corvallis Youth Symphony Association.

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Pamela Joy Sorensen

November 21, 1934 - January 17, 2026