Lea Thompson Honors Late Mother-in-Law amid Wildfires: ‘Will Miss Her For the Rest of My Life’

In the midst of supporting friends and strangers devastated by raging wildfires in Los Angeles, “Back to the Future” alum and Hallmark star Lea Thompson is also mourning the death of her “beloved” mother-in-law.

Married since 1989 to movie director Howard Deutch, Thompson, 63, shared via Instagram on January 12, 2025, that they’d just returned from a memorial service for his mom, Pamela Duetch. According to People, Thompson’s mother-in-law was 94.

“This is a week,” Thompson lamented, referring to her family’s loss and the wildfires coinciding. “Our beloved matriarch Pam had a stroke and passed away a few days later and before we could completely comprehend, the tragedy of the LA fires overwhelmed us. Today we laid her to rest.”

Lea Thompson Thankful Her Mother-in-Law ‘Got Out Before LA Caught on Fire’

Thompson, who stars in the first season of “The Chicken Sisters” now streaming on Hallmark+, shared a slideshow of photos featuring her redheaded mother-in-law, and revealed that she “lived with us for the better part of 10 years.”

“We took care of her many heath needs and she listened to our stories,” Thompson shared. “And I will miss her for the rest of my life.”

Thompson, whose 2023 series “The Spencer Sisters” is also now available to stream on Hallmark+, wrote that her mother-in-law “was a survivor,” battling a variety of ailments with humor and positivity.

“She was a survivor of sclaraderma cancer sepsis blood clots heart problems and wounds,” Thompson wrote. “But her spirit kept us jon our toes. Her humor made her so lovable. As you can see she had a loving family and we are so greatful she got out before LA caught on fire.”

Thompson concluded, “Mother of my husband. Grandmother to my fierce daughters. I hope you know you left your mark. You were loved.”

Thompson and Deutch’s daughter, “Juror #2” actress Zoey Deutch, also paid tribute to her grandmother on Instagram, writing, “Pammy — my fierce, resilient, funny, strong willed, honest, beautiful grandma. What a long, full, wonderful life you had. I am so grateful I got to spend as much time with you as I did. I love you so, so much. May you rest in peace and may your memory be a blessing”

Lea Thompson Received Condolences from Hallmark Stars

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Most Los Angeles residents have been singularly focused on the wildfires since January 7, from dealing with significant losses to trying to help the thousands of people who’ve been displaced from their homes. But many Hallmark friends still found time to send condolences, along with over 16,000 fans who liked Thompson’s post.

Thompson’s “Chicken Sisters” co-star Schuyler Fisk, who lost her home in the wildfires, commented, “💔💔i am so sorry💔💔 love you lea. love to howie.”

Holly Robinson Peete, another friend and Hallmark actress, wrote, “Leah her spirit jumps right off these photos- what a loving DIL you were to her ❤️❤️❤️💐💐💐🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽”

“Crimes of Fashion: Killer Clutch” star Gilles Marini chimed in, “Sending love Lea. 💔❤️”

Amid her grief, Thompson has been regularly posting Instagram Stories with resources for those looking to help victims of the ongoing fires. One meme she shared on January 12 after her mother-in-law’s funeral, said, “I’d like to cancel my subscription to 2025. I’ve experienced the 7-day trial and am no longer interested.”