Beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and best friend to many, Pamela Seidman passed away at Valley Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 17, 2018 due to complications from orthopedic surgery. Pam is survived by her husband and best friend of 46 years, Jerry, and her sons Wesley, Nicholas and Lance who adored and cherished her.
Pamela was known to take things to another level. Her ability for motherhood was without parallel, stories of her rescuing wayward humans and animals were common place.
Pamela Seidman was a legendary figure in the restaurant world, having been the driving force behind Jerry’s Famous Deli, as well as a number of other successful endeavors. She took the beloved stereotype of Jewish matriarch to the extreme. No one in her midst came away unfed, uncared for, or unheard. A world class chef, her artistry with food was renowned. In addition to mastering various signature dishes, it was in the world of baking that she truly shined. Her custom cakes, cookies, and candy were celebrated and desired by many.
Born in Long Beach in 1952 to Russian Jewish/English stock and raised in Fairfax, her idyllic childhood was spent working at her father’s veterinarian hospital while attending University High School. Upon graduation, she obtained her cosmetology license where in no time she gained herself a celebrity clientele. During these formative years, she met the love of her life, Jerry Seidman, who began courting Pam when she was 15. After five years of courtship, they were married in 1972.
The couple established the first Jerry’s Deli in Beverly Hills in 1978. Immediately the Manhattan-style delicatessen attracted a loyal following, providing the West Coast with a much needed traditional Jewish eatery. The Seidmans parted ways with the deli in the eighties, whereupon Pam established “Custom Candy by Pam,” which featured her one of a kind confections as well as her baking artistry. It wasn’t long before a line of devoted celebrity and corporate clients formed outside her storefront, where she gained success and renown for her unique and delicious creations. She created custom Easter confections for the likes of Bullock’s and Nordstrom’s, while also designing the packaging and artwork. Ghiradelli chocolatiers contracted her to make specialty items for their executive line. And last but not least, Pam was also credited with inventing the bagel chip in 1978, known as the “Wutzit.”
In 2003 the Seidman’s moved to Las Vegas in order to take care of Pam’s mother, who passed away in 2017.
A devoted mother and animal lover, Pam left a lifetime of kindness and empathy in her wake, touching and shaping the lives of family, friends, and even friends of friends.
Article by Roy Jürgens
Services will be held at the family home,
Saturday, July 21st, 2018 at 2PM in Las Vegas, NV.
For more information please contact info@pamseidman.com