Pam Coutchie
Date of Departure
January 30, 2025Obituary
Pam Coutchie
Pam Coutchie died peacefully on January 30, 2025, with her family at her side. Pam is survived by her husband, Brian Kivilahti, sister, Suzanne Coutchie, niece, Elizabeth Benson and nephews, Benjamin Benson and Nick Benson. Pam and Brian met at Little Trinity Anglican Church in Toronto, Canada where Pam held a postdoctoral fellowship in the department of Zoology of the University of Toronto.
Pam and Brian moved to Albany, New York in 1980 where Pam taught in the Biology Department at Siena College. She completed her graduate studies in computer science in 1988 and earned a master’s degree from SUNY Albany. Pam went onto work at the New York State Department of Health as a systems analyst and database administrator. She designed, developed, and maintained the computer network server and software that was utilized by the Fiscal Management Group.
Pam grew up in Salinas, California and was religiously formed at St Paul’s Episcopal Church through the Royal School of Church Music. She sang in the youth choir under the direction of Myrin McTavish. Pam began studying the cello at age 10 with Louise Vadetsky and continued playing with the Monterey County Symphony throughout high school and into college. She enjoyed musical theater, performing in various productions, and later sang with a French choir at UC Davis during her graduate studies in zoology. Pam was an avid painter and skilled seamstress. Pam loved to travel and had a memorable summer in 1969 with her sister, Suzanne, exploring cities from London to Madrid, Rome to Paris.
Her love for God and His word was part of her every fiber. Pam earned a Level Two certification in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based approach to Christian education. She guided children in the Atrium at St. Paul’s and St. John’s Episcopal churches. She had a fervent hope that the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd would grow in every parish of the Diocese of Albany.
Pam’s life was a life well lived. May she rest in the loving arms of her Good Shepherd, whom she served faithfully throughout her life.
Donations in Pam’s memory can be directed to St John’s Episcopal Church, 146 First St. Troy, NY with CGS in the memo line or SUNY at Albany’s Computer Science Department.
