Celebrating the life of
Pamela K. Dufrain
July 16, 1947 - August 14, 2026
Pamela Kay Dufrain
Pamela Kay Dufrain, 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Pam, as she was lovingly known, was born in Kankakee, Illinois, on July 16, 1947. While home from college during Christmas break, she met the love of her life, James “Jim” Dufrain, while the two were working together at a toy store. They continued dating throughout their college years, and after Pam graduated from St. Norbert College with a degree in education, they were married on June 20, 1970. Together, they began what would become a lifelong journey filled with family, faith, education, and love.
Shortly after their marriage, Pam and Jim moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where Jim was serving in the United States Air Force. During their time in Alaska, they welcomed their first two children, Jenny, born in 1972, and Rebecca, born in 1974. After Jim was honorably discharged from the Air Force, the family returned home to Kankakee in 1974.
That same year, Pam began what would become a remarkable career in education. She taught until 1979, when she took a brief pause to focus on her growing family and welcomed her third child, Mark, that same year. She later returned to teaching in Catholic schools, where her passion for educating and nurturing young people continued to grow.
In 1986, the Dufrain family made another life-changing move, settling in Savannah, Georgia, when a career opportunity brought Jim and the family to the South. It was in Savannah that Pam would eventually find what she considered her forever home: St. James Catholic School.
Pam was nothing short of an extraordinary educator and administrator. Over the years, she touched the lives of thousands of students, encouraging them to believe in themselves and to become the very best versions of themselves. She was deeply dedicated to her school, her students, her family, her friends, and her Catholic faith. For Pam, education was never simply a career—it was a calling and a way to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Her years of service and devotion were recognized in 2023 when the Catholic Church honored Pam with the Fideli Corde Award, one of the highest honors of her life and a fitting recognition of her many years of dedication and service.
Above all else, Pam treasured her family. She and Jim were blessed with three children and three beloved grandchildren: Anna, Jackson, and Emma. Her children and grandchildren loved their mom and Memaw with all their hearts and know how fortunate they were to have been loved, guided, and nourished by such an extraordinary woman. Her influence will live on through them and through the countless students, families, friends, and members of her community whose lives she touched.
Pam leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, compassion, and service. She will be deeply missed, but the lessons she taught, the lives she shaped, and the love she gave will continue to live on in all those who were fortunate enough to know her.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 19, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors in Savannah, Georgia.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 20, at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Pam’s memory to St. James Catholic School.
Pam’s greatest gift was the ability to make the people around her feel loved, encouraged, and cared for. Her family and all who knew her will carry that gift with them always.
One of my favorite teachers! Mrs. Dufrain was always patient and kind. 8th grade was my most difficult year in school, and she made it a lot more bearable: letting me stay with her at lunch and “help out”, although I'm sure it would have been much easier to do things herself than let the goofy teen decorate the windows and put papers together. She gave me a great example of what it meant up be a good educator. I will miss her greatly. My prayers go out to all her family.
- Heidi O’Conner, Metter, GA
One of my favorite teachers! Mrs. Dufrain was always patient and kind. 8th grade was my most difficult year in school, and she made it a lot more bearable: letting me stay with her at lunch and “help out”, although I'm sure it would have been much easier to do things herself than let the goofy teen decorate the windows and put papers together. She gave me a great example of what it meant up be a good educator. I will miss her greatly. My prayers go out to all her family.
- Heidi O’Conner, Metter, GA
I loved Pam for all the years I knew her. I was a nurse on Mondays for 4 years at St James School. She was beautiful, smart, caring, funny and a delight to be around. May you Rest In Peace and May God provide your Family with Peace and Comfort! Amen
- Anita Smith, Savannah, Ga
She was my assistant principal at St. James in the late 90s. She taught my brother and sister. She was wonderful. My condolences to the family. RIP
- Holly Jones, Byron, GA
I have fond memories of Mrs. Dufrain as my 8th grade teacher. I always loved when she would share stories about growing up and about her family. She made religion class interesting and explained things so well. She was a wonderful person, mentor, and teacher and will be greatly missed!
- Helen Harris Hawver, Watkinsville, GA
I am heartbroken at the passing of my dear friend Pam. We shared our love of teaching and working with children with stories and experiences. Pam was a compassionate, kind and nurturing woman whose love of her family and friends was always at the center of her life. May she be reunited with her daughter, Jenny, and be at rest and peace in the love of our Lord.
- Donna Holmes, Pooler, Ga
She was my 7th grade teacher over 40 years ago. Mrs. D. always had a way of making a kid feel important, seen, and cared about. All these years later she is still my favorite teacher and someone I'll always treasure.
- Becky , Bourbonnais , Illinois
Pam was such a special person and a longtime friend. I have so many fond memories!
- BetsyTrucksis, Lawrenceville, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Visitation
- 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wed, August 19, 2026
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
-
7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive (map)
Savannah GA 31406 - 912-352-7200
- Rosary
- 6:30 p.m. on Wed, August 19, 2026
- Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
-
7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive (map)
Savannah GA 31406 - 912-352-7200
- Memorial Mass
- 11:00 a.m. on Thu, August 20, 2026
- St. James the Less Catholic Church
-
8412 Whitefield Avenue (map)
Savannah GA 31406
