Pamela Kady Gurtis

Pamela Kady Gurtis, 59, of Kingston, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully in the presence of her loving family on March 13, 2026, after a courageous 5-year battle with cancer. 

Born September 20, 1966, in Manassas, Virginia, Pam was the daughter of Travis Zeiler Kady and the late Thomas Francis Kady, who shaped her into the person she was and the loving Mother she became. The work ethic and dedication to create the best life for her own family was a product of the impact her parents had on Pam, and what made them most proud to witness as they traveled through life together. She is now reunited with her late Father, Tom, whom she admired more than anyone and from whom she inherited qualities that will be felt for generations.

Pam's childhood was filled with adventure as she and her family followed their father to faraway work assignments in Southeast Asia. On this journey, she attended school in several countries, including Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. These many moves only served to strengthen her bond with her siblings, Noah, Nick, and Angela. Yet she was always quick to make new friends and her days were filled with laughter and fun. A graduate of Middletown High School (Middletown, Md.), Pam continued her education at West Virginia University, where she studied Sport & Exercise Physiology and met the love of her life, Ed. She went on to obtain a Master's degree in Exercise Science from George Washington University and devoted her professional career to inspiring others through health and fitness.

Pam's career spanned almost 40 years, starting at the Central Intelligence Agency, to Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and Highmark after moving to the Luzerne County area. Pam truly embodied the mantra of "do what you love" and that was never more evident throughout her roles with Star Fitness, Odyssey Fitness, The Well, Vive Health & Fitness, Melt Hot Yoga and her own personal training business. Her work became her community and it was in these settings where the majority of her friendships blossomed. For those who were fortunate enough to endure one of Pam's group exercise classes, the passion, enthusiasm, diligence, and genuine love for what she did came through. Pam was the heart of her family and was known by all for her compassion and the way she put others first. She had a gentle strength and a caring nature that made people feel welcomed, supported, and loved. She always listened before she spoke and others confided in her because they could tell she cared. And she did. Pam strived to make those around her feel better and approached every interaction with infectious positivity and a smiling face. The impact she had on people is what others admired about her so much - she was a light to those around her, the brightest most joyful light.

Pam shared a beautiful, 38-year marriage with her husband, Ed, building a life centered on love, family, and unwavering devotion to one another. Her greatest joy in life was caring for and guiding her three children, Nathan, Kady, and Jake in everything they did, creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and encouragement. Nothing made her more proud than seeing her kids chase their dreams and grow into the people they are today. The love she gave so freely will continue to live on through her family and the lessons she left will be their guiding principles. She was their hero. Pam's fight was unprecedented. Even in the most difficult days, she showed resilience, bravery, and determination to keep going, poise and grace to let others know she was okay. As it was expressed by doctors and nurses that cared for her, they had never met a stronger patient who defied the odds stacked against her. Through the good days and the bad, she fought with a purpose and a warrior-like spirit. That purpose was her family and her spirit will live on through them and the countless people who loved her.

Pam's life was a blessing, her memory a treasure; she is loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure. Her family and friends will find comfort in the memories she leaves behind and the love that will never fade. Some people leave a lasting impact on our hearts and minds that time can never erase - Pam is one of them.

Pam was preceded in death by her Father, Tom Kady. She is survived by her husband Edward J. Gurtis; daughter Kady; sons Nate and Jake; mother Travis Zeiler Kady; sister Angela Buckler; brothers Noah and Nick Kady; and so many other family members and friends who mourn her loss.Pam's entire family is grateful for the doctors and medical staff that cared for her at Medical Oncology Associates of Kingston and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

Celebration of Pamela's life will take place on Friday, March 27, with visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. at McLaughlin's, 142 South Washington Street in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Donations to the Medical Oncology Associates of Kingston's Prescription Assistance Fund or Candy's Place in Forty Fort are appreciated and will honor Pam's memory. Share memories and condolences with Pam's family at mjmclaughlin.com.