Pamela Kay Ellis Mohr, 37; Her Life Was A Profile In Courage

Pamela Kay Ellis Mohr, a senior deputy prosecutor in the King County Prosecutor's Office, was on the job only 10 years, but she left a lasting mark.

"Pam was a special gift to everyone in the King County Prosecutor's Office," said Prosecutor Norm Maleng. "She was a thoughtful and hardworking attorney who met every challenge a prosecutor faces. . . . Her life was a profile in courage."

Treated for a brain tumor eight years ago, she used a cane and braces for her weakened left side. But she ignored the pain and concentrated on work, family, friends and her dogs.

"She could see right through to the core of an issue," said her sister, Vanessa Jensen of Bothell. "In her illness she was able to get through it because she could focus on other things and tune out the pain."

Mrs. Mohr died last Thursday (Sept. 17) of a brain tumor. She was 37.

Born in Walla Walla, she earned a bachelor's degree in English in 1983 at Walla Walla College. She had worked on college publications, held student office and was listed in "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges" (1983).

She paid for her education by working as a secretary in the registrar's office, where she also worked after graduation. Soon dissatisfied with that, she enrolled at University of Washington Law School, where she earned a law degree in 1988.

During her studies she interned in the Prosecutor's Office. After graduation she became a full-time employee. She was promoted to senior deputy prosecutor in 1994.

"Her talents were quickly recognized," said Cynthia Gannett, a fellow senior deputy prosecutor. "It's certainly unusual in her circumstances (to be promoted that soon).

"After brain surgery she came back and handled scores of appeals, often the more complicated cases. She also tried felony cases downtown, from property crimes to murder cases."

Mrs. Mohr mentored new deputy prosecutors and became "highly respected because of her patience and analytical abilities," Gannett said. "She had a serenity about her and was commanding, but in a gentle way."

"She was warm and funny to the people she loved," Jensen said. "But I've heard from witnesses she appeared before, she was rather scary. The atmosphere around her demanded respect."

Other survivors include her husband of 13 years, Gary Mohr of Shoreline, and her parents, Kenneth and Geraldine Ellis of Sedro-Woolley.

Her life celebration will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at Green Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church, 6350 E. Green Lake Way N., Seattle.

Remembrances may go to the Humane Society and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Seattle/King County, 13212 S.E. Eastgate Way, Bellevue, WA 98005; or the Brain Tumor Society, 84 Seattle St., Boston, MA 02134.

Carole Beers' phone message number is 206-464-2391. Her e-mail address is: cbeers@seattletimes.com