Pamela Ann Hatfield Gemmer

Pamela Ann Hatfield Gemmer, 74, died Monday, October 15, 2018, in Tlaxcala, Mexico.

Born March 4, 1944, in Brooklyn, NY, the daughter of Dr. Jack J. Hatfield and Virginia (Davis) Hatfield. She married Ralph Allen Gemmer in 2006 and he preceded her in death on January 12, 2017.

Survivors include two sons, Daniel Valdes of Davie, FL, and David (Erin) Valdes of Titusville, FL; granddaughter, Marina Valdes; two sisters, Kristen (Paul) Shealy of San Antonio, TX and Heidi Chavers, Tallahassee, FL; Aunt Julia (Don d.) Bomalaski; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her brother Jack Joseph “Joe” Hatfield, Jr.; sister Kitty Hatfield Lyons; stepmother Mary (Strange) Hatfield; and former spouse Miguel Valdes.

Pam graduated from Broad Ripple High School and was a graduate of the University of Denver, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She taught Spanish and English as a Second Language to kindergarteners through adults for 42 years in Mexico, Florida and Indiana.

An active member of her church, she strove to live her life in accordance with her faith and was involved in many outreach programs. She was an advocate for elementary world education language programs and AFS school to school exchange programs. She was passionate about Mexican art and culture and promoted it via the Mosaicos folklore dance group in Indianapolis and the Indiana Latin Expo as well as many other groups. Her work and advocacy was recognized by many and she was named Champion in Diversity by the Indianapolis Mexican Consulate in 2017. An adopted native of Indianapolis, she loved the city and all it has to offer. She started her career in the Public Relations office at the Speedway and continued to volunteer there throughout her life. An avid Butler Basketball fan, she was a season ticket holder and attended as many games as she could.

Flanner Buchanan- Broad Ripple, 1305 Broad Ripple Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220, is handling her funeral arrangements. The funeral service will be held at Broad Ripple United Methodist Church, 6185 Guilford Ave, Indianapolis, IN, 46220, on Saturday, November 3rd at 12 pm, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at the Union Chapel Cemetery, 8301 Union Chapel Rd, and conclude with a gathering meal back at the church afterward.

Memorial donations may be made to Broad Ripple United Methodist Church.