Pamela K. Rush

Pam Rush, age 69, passed away on May 20, 2025. Pam grew up in St. Louis Missouri, and attended North Carolina Chapel Hill and Washington University in St. Louis, ultimately achieving her doctorate in Chemistry.

She moved to Delaware and worked as a chemist at Hercules for a number of years, but she found true fulfillment when she became a chemistry teacher at the Charter School in Wilmington. She was an innovative instructor and took great pride in her students who remember her fondly. Everywhere in Delaware she would be greeted warmly by former students or parents of students who would share the impact that Pam had had on their lives. Many students went on to careers in science and medicine.

Pam also had a great passion for the arts. A life-long learner, she attended workshops in pottery, weaving, and other crafts. She became an accomplished potter, among other skills. She also collected art and enjoyed attending auctions. A friend recalled a conversation with Pam regarding her deep appreciation for the arts. She told him “Art is my sanctuary. In times of crisis, what are you going to turn to—precalculus?”

Pam’s intellect was exceptional. Her house was filled with books on science, politics, philosophy, earth science/botany, fine art, crafts, etc.—no television, no novels. However, she did enjoy podcasts on politics and the sciences, and the occasional Netflix series or stand-up comedy. Her many dear friends knew her to be a great conversationalist on any number topics, but also enjoyed her silliness and sense of humor.

She also had a deep love of nature and animals (including her three cats). She and her life partner, Bill Komarnicki, hiked and camped extensively on the trails of the east coast from the Carolinas to Maine. In her yard she could name every tree and plant, and she created a mini habitat for her beloved critters.

Pam is survived by her cousin, Robert Tibbs of Warrenton, MO, his wife Elizabeth, their daughters, Adele and Casey, and their children. Pam is predeceased by her partner, William Komarnicki, and survived by his siblings who consider Pam a sister—Betty Nero and Robert Komarnicki, his children, Peter Komarnicki and Amanda Topley, her husband Mike, and their children.

A celebration of life will be announced to family and friends.