Pamela Jean (PJ) Wightman

Pamela Jean (PJ) Wightman, 68, of Franklin, died in her home Sunday, April 14, 2024. PJ was born in Jeanette, PA on February 2, 1956 to John (Jack) and Dorothy (Dot) Haubrich. She graduated from Rocky Grove High School in 1974. On March 26, 1982 PJ married Don Wightman, and they enjoyed a life of love and adventure together until his death in September of 2022.

PJ worked at UDSI as a keypunch operator after graduating high school, and then at Joy Mfg. She started her career, though, at Kapp Alloy & Wire in 1984, where she remained until 2014, retiring as general manager. During those 30 years, PJ took great pride in her work and she cared deeply for the company and “the guys” who grew to be extended family.

However, all work and no play was not PJ’s philosophy. She was the life of every party—and if it didn’t start out as a party, that changed when she showed up. From back yard fires to NASCAR parties, she brought her infectious laugh, her enthusiasm, and likely some over the top food and drinks. She and Don were members of the VFW, where they enjoyed dancing, listening to the live bands, and meeting friends for a night out or even just for lunch.

The very definition of a kid at heart, PJ was in the business of making sure everyone was having fun. She had toys stockpiled, and her house was every kid’s favorite destination. She didn’t just provide the arsenal of squirt guns, fleet of inner tubes and rafts, and trunkful of sand toys everyone loved—she played with them, too. She instigated water balloon fights, happily committed to hours of Monopoly, and scoured the beach for seashells alongside the kids, having the time of her life and making everyone around her have the time of theirs.

She was most comfortable at home with her pets, her deck, her flowerbeds, and her creek in the town that she loved. When she wasn’t enjoying her oasis on Otter Street, she could be found visiting family in New Jersey, soaking up rays on the deck of a cruise ship with some of her favorite people, blue eyes shining with pride at graduation ceremonies, blowing bubbles at weddings, bringing much needed take-out to new parents, cheering at volleyball games, and reminiscing on the back porch of her parents’ house.

The relationships she nurtured throughout her life were as important to her as they were to the people she loved. Generous in every way, she always let people know how proud she was of them and how much they were appreciated. She offered a safe space and listening ear for people who were struggling to find their footing or longing to be heard. She loved with her whole heart and those close to her never wondered where they stood.

During her battle with cancer, PJ’s investment in her relationships came full circle when her sister, Wendy, and best friends, Kathy and Ron, made her care their top priority. Kathy provided full-time, live-in care for the better part of the year, and her love and dedication will forever be remembered and appreciated.

PJ is survived by her brother Nicholas (Ellen) Haubrich, of Florida; sisters Anita (Jeffrey) Poling, of Kentucky and Wendy (Michael) McKain of Cranberry; sisters-in-law Peggy Wightman Groth, of Alaska and Brenda Conser, of Franklin; and hand-picked family, Kathy and Ron Przewlocki.

She is also survived by stepson Matthew Wightman and fiancé Donna Meredith, of New Jersey; stepdaughter Beverly Shaw, of New Jersey; grandson Sean Wightman; granddaughters Lauren Wightman, Heather (Jim) Campbell, Wendy (Brian) D’Amore, and Kimberly Miller; great grandsons Carter and Cody Campbell, Tyler D’Amore, and Jackson Miller.

Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews throughout Pennsylvania, Alaska, Florida, Kentucky, and Ohio including John (Erica) Haubrich IV, Todd Haubrich, Jacquelyn (Stanley) Redenz, Pete Shrock, Nicholas (Lyndsey) Haubrich Jr., Heather (Darren) Halliman, Nicole (Patrick) Crossley, Melanie (Brent) Loverti, Jessica (Brandon) Moore, Jeffrey (Ayla) Poling, Jr., Berlin and Lucy Haubrich, Gabriel and Fiona Redenz, Nathan, Alyssa, and Peyton Crossley, Beckett Loverti, Rylan Howard and Ford Moore, and Lena and Finley Poling.

Though she will be missed by her survivors, there is comfort in the knowledge that she is at peace and reunited with her loving husband, parents, brother John Haubrich, and treasured friend Sue Snyder. Also joining in the reunion will be stepson-in-law Bob Shaw, brother-in-law Frank Wightman, sisters-in law Debbie Faltin and Helen Wightman, and great nephew Christopher Crossley. Not least among those waiting to greet her are the countless animals she rescued, spoiled, and loved beyond measure during her time here.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Precious Paws to continue her legacy of animal advocacy.

According to her wishes, no public visitation will be held. There will be a private memorial for family on Friday, April 19th . A PJ style send-off will be held at the family homestead on Cherrytree Road on the late afternoon/evening of Saturday, April 20 th . Friends are welcome to stop by and raise a glass, roast a hot dog, share a laugh, and celebrate the beautiful soul who added so much sparkle to this world.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff- Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park St. Franklin.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.Huffguthrie.com.