Pamela "Pam" Claire (Bernhardt) Smith

Pamela “Pam” Claire Smith, 76, of Vista, passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at home with her loving family by her side. Pam was born in Compton, CA June 30,1947, to parents Adam S. Bernhardt and Mary Lois (Jones) Bernhardt.  She is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Jim D. Smith of Vista, CA; her son, Jimmy Smith of Vista; daughter Sherry Pantoja and her husband Gus, of Long Beach, CA; brother Steve Bernhardt and his wife Donna of Irvine, CA; grandchildren Samantha Mercer and her husband Andrew of Morgan, UT; Priscilla, Sophia, and Lola Pantoja of Long Beach, CA; and great grandchildren twins Kieliegh and Brodee Mercer of Morgan, UT. 

Pam and Jim met at a carwash in Torrance when she was 17.  When she was 18, she worked as an operator with Pacific Bell.  They married in a beautiful little chapel in Las Vegas, NV. before returning to Torrance CA.  They settled in Vista in 1971 where they raised their children to adulthood.  Pam spent many years helping Jim grow his business, Jim D. Smith Masonry.  She then worked for over 24 years as a District 23 Trainer and Front Lead for Food for Less in San Diego County.  She retired in 2013 to enjoy more time with her husband and family.  Pam enjoyed Mary Kay Cosmetics and was a sales consultant for several years. Bowling was a favorite pastime for Pam; she worked at the Vista Entertainment Center and bowled with ladies in the morning leagues and with her husband in the evening mixed team leagues.  Pam was famous for and enjoyed her cooking, decorating her home for the holidays, and she was a Shopping Queen. 

Pam was loved by so many family members and friends, and she will be greatly missed.  She had a giving spirit that anyone who knew her benefitted from at one time or another. 

Dress for the services will be casual and (HINT HINT) one of Pam's favorite colors was pink.  

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 17, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with the Rosary at 7:00 pm at Allen Brothers Mortuary Vista Chapel, 1315 S. Santa Fe Avenue, Vista, CA 92083.  Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 18, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Francis Catholic Church, 525 West Vista Way, Vista, CA  92083. 

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