GARDINER - Pamela Ann Merrick Morrill, 58, of Gardiner passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 27, 2008, at MaineGeneral Medical Center. Pam was born Dec. 7, 1949, in Augusta, to Fred and Lucille (Lagueux) Merrick. She grew up in Augusta where she was an avid dancer. She graduated from Cony High School in 1968 and lived in Augusta until 2006, when she moved to Gardiner. Pam was a devoted mother to her daughter with Jamie Morrill, Sarah and son-in-law Rob Cocchiaro, who now live in Hamden, Conn. She was a loving partner to Ike McLaughlin, of Gardiner, and found great happiness with him. Pam found interest in all things as reflected by her hobbies and her career. But, above all, Pam put her daughter and family first. Early in her career, Pam was a dance instructor, and worked at the Maine State Museum and Health Tex. She also worked in the Augusta public schools, and spent most of her career in state government. Pam worked as a special assistant and then assistant press secretary to Gov. John R. McKernan Jr. She was the office manager for the Maine Forest Products Council and most recently was working as a clerk for the Maine Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee. A student of politics and democracy, Pam once sought public office representing Augusta in the Maine House of Representatives. She was an active volunteer in the campaigns of U.S. Senators Bill Cohen and Olympia Snowe and Governor McKernan. She also worked on Peter Cianchette's gubernatorial campaign in 2002 and volunteered on numerous local campaigns, most recently for her late dear friend Abby Holman's House of Representatives District 83 campaign in 2006. Pam also volunteered her time in her community -- with the public schools, for the Rape Crisis hotline, for the Maine Home for Little Wanderers and as a Sunday school teacher at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Augusta. Pam loved Maine and traveling. She was an enthusiastic motorcyclist, camper and hiker, and had just mastered snowmobiling this winter. One of the highlights of her life was the seven-week cross-country motorcycle trip she and Ike took during the summer of 2006. Survivors include her beloved daughter, Sarah, and son-in-law Rob Cocchiaro, of Hamden, Conn.; parents Fred and Lucille Merrick, of Augusta; brothers Tom Merrick, of Chelsea, and Joe Merrick, of Augusta; and her constant companion, Ike McLaughlin and his family. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She leaves a wide circle of friends who will miss her energy, optimism and the humor and fun she added to every gathering. A celebration of Pam's life will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 1, at Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta. A continuation of the celebration of Pam's life will immediately follow the service at the Elks Club, Route 27, Augusta. To leave a message of condolence for Pam's family, please visit www.khrfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the charity of one's choice.