Pam Bighorn
Pam Dee Bighorn, 57, of Brockton died May 6, 2026, at her home.
She was born May 31, 1968, in Phoenix, Ariz., to Maurice Sr. and Francile (Lamere) Bighorn. She joined a large family — fifth of seven at first, then eight when James was adopted. With the household consisting of five girls and three boys, she was quite responsible at a young age and could be relied on by her arthritic mother to help with the daily tasks required by such a large family.
In her younger years, the family moved to California and Arizona and she attended schools in Missoula and Wisconsin Dells, Wis., (her mother’s hometown), eventually returning to her father’s hometown of Brockton.
She graduated as salutatorian and a Lady Warrior from Brockton High School in 1986. She and her lifelong teammates were the first Brockton girls’ team to advance to a divisional championship game, falling one game short of making the state tournament.
She worked at A& S Industries during her senior year of high school. She made lifelong friends there with her joking manner and big heart. She was loyal to both friends and family alike. She worked at B& S Quick Stop like her sisters before her. She also worked at Brockton Schools for two different stints — once as a cook’s helper and as teacher’s aide and coach for the elementary girls’ basketball and high school girls’ volleyball teams.
She provided childcare for a year or two and then home healthcare for her cousin, Jessica Nedrud. She supervised the Boys & Girls Club in Brockton. She worked at the JDC in Poplar for several years. Eventually, she moved over to the adult correction center as a cook. She ended her working days at the American Legion in Poplar. In all these jobs, she touched lives with her generosity of time, caring and giving, and always with a bit of teasing and lots of laughter.
She met Allen Buckles and they welcomed their son, Nicholas, in March 1988. A couple of years later, her son, Noah, was born, but died from SIDS in November 1990.
She enjoyed many pastimes, like bingo, playing machines and, for a time, all the women gathered daily to work on jigsaw puzzles and visit. She was an avid fan of her son and nephews, nieces and grandchildren, attending many basketball, football games and track meets.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Paula Bighorn; and son, Noah Vaughn Frances Bighorn.
She is survived by her son, Nicholas David Bighorn of Poplar; four grandchildren; and siblings, Joleen Emerson of Brockton, Maureen Bighorn of Wisconsin, Barry Bighorn Sr. of Fort Kipp, Janice Bighorn of Wisconsin, Maurice Bighorn Jr. and James Burshia, all of Brockton; Funeral services were held Saturday, May 23, at the Brockton Cultural Center. Interment was at the Brockton Riverview Cemetery.
