In Memoriam

Paula was a tremendous leader for PACER. She worked tirelessly to improve the lives of so many children and their families.  From the first time I met her she was always caring, thoughtful, and willing to take a few minutes out of her busy schedule to get to know people on a more personal level. I'm encouraged by all the great people who will lead PACER into this new chapter, but it will never be the same without Paula's leadership.

Jay Jackson - St. Paul

	I am missing Paula so much that I think I am beginning to channel her.  I remember our first meeting, so many years ago, when Paula and Marg and I met in a restaurant to discuss the progress of PACER.  PACER was still in an office on Chicago Ave., but we did not meet there, because “that’s just offices; our real work is in homes and schools in this area.”  My monitoring meeting was Federally mandatory, but I looked forward to it.  My colleagues and I were so impressed by the concept of the proposal, and the fact that its principals were parents working with parents, that I wanted to meet them and see if they held up to their promise.	
	Of course there was a bit of anxiety on both sides of the table—a new idea being tested and facilitated with money for three years was the goal.  I call this moment “The Chicago Street   Scene”.  The anxieties were abated in just a few minutes.  The idea was sound and shared. The administrators were exceptionally competent, the project could be a model for the entire Nation when successful.  Compare the activities of Chicago Street progressing to Normandale Avenue and you have the exciting history of PACER.  Marj and Paula, and then just Paula after Marj’s retirement, made PACER not only a National model, but a global model.  It is now a center of innovation. It is a pioneer of parent and child-based information for remedying flaws in the system. PACER is now a primary tool in advocating inclusion and independence for people with special needs.  And it is one of the finest resources on the internet for the prevention of bullying.
	Knowing Paula is a blessing to me.  She has given me friendship without limitations.  Working with Paula, however, was also a very exceptional experience.  When we talk and plan together, we could finish each other’s thoughts and sentences.  Each brought special experiences and a wealth of colleagues and resources that could, with a little work, activate some of those ideas and plans.
	An example: Paula received a letter from the Spastic Society of Bangalore, inquiring about adapting PACER’s assistive technology program to their services for children with cerebral palsy.  She called me because I was doing extensive work for my agency in India.  Our conversation erupted into a volcano of ideas and then plans.  Consequently we traveled to Bangalore, the IT capital of India at that time, and made plans to transfer one of PACERS’s brightest staff members to the Society for a year.  While there, we visited the heads of several of the major India-U.S. companies to talk about the fiscal and public relations value to research on assistive technology.  Since I had access to monies for informational and research conferences in India, we convened an Indian Summit meeting on assistive technology which promised to showcase projects of these industries.  It also made recommendations for possible areas for exploration.  That summit, about three months later, is now replicated by the Government of India each year.  Disability technology is blossoming there, finding its way to the American market as well.
	One of Paula’s most gracious traits was to make everyone she talked to feel special.  Her two favorite adjectives were “terrific” and “fantastic”.  Our duo, a parent and a professional, plus Paula’s personality always allowed us to obtain or surpass the goals of our efforts. 
	I channel Paula today, because I am having a “Chicago Street Scene”.  I have established a foundation that could eventually make it possible for people with disabilities, seniors, persons with chronic illnesses including persons with Alzheimers and long Covid, incarcerated people, immigrants and other special groups to be involved in public music activities.  The idea comes from experience teaching these skills to musical students at a university School of Music and designing a minor called “Music and Human Services”.
	I know it is daunting.  But I know it is a solid and doable idea for the future, given the resources and development at hand.  Paula would agree. She would encourage me.  We would start brainstorming. 
	 Paula was one “fantastic” woman with “terrific” ideas—and a heart to match.  She will be greatly missed.

	

Paul Ackerman - New Market, VA

Paula was a fearless, tenacious and kind leader, exactly what our world needed from a disability leader. She leaned into people's talents and nurtured their development. She never rested; she was always looking at the next horizon, all in pursuit of a better world for people with disabilities. As my husband said, she walked with well-earned moral authority; she walked her talk. And as my son said, she was "wonderful" to him. Our PACER community will not be the same without her but we will strive to live into her vision of a world that is more equitable for people with disabilities. Paula, you have earned your rest.

Kathy Graves - Minneapolis

I attended a PACER benefit with friends where I was introduced to Paula Goldberg. That was in 1995 and since then I have found myself volunteering on the benefit committee for over 20 years.  I just couldn’t say “no” when Paula called.  None of us could!  She was tenacious when it came to raising money and awareness for PACER and the thousands of children and families who have used the services and support offered at PACER.  

Paula was simply the very best there was.  What a honor it has been to volunteer at PACER and especially to call Paula Goldberg my friend. 

Liz Brown - Lakeville, MN

Paula will be remembered as a Champion for Children with disabilities and a genuine mentor to parent centers across the country.  She led with passion and shared her knowledge to uplift others. I am grateful to have had Paula Goldberg in my life and I will treasure the many years of memories always.   

Karen Taycher - Las Vegas, Nevada

It is with great satisfaction that I recognize how perfectly each tribute captures Paula's essence and character!  The only contribution I can add, is that Paula was a "mensch" in every aspect of her life. As the family matriarch, PACER leader, advocate, and friend, Paula was a good and humble person, a rare combination. She was kind, not for glory, but did good deeds when no one was looking. Paula had a large collection of beautiful orchids in her kitchen. Orchids represent thoughtfulness, refinement, and grace. All of these qualities were held fast, even when Paula faced the untimely death of her beloved son, David.  How fortunate I have been to have Paula, initially as a professional collaborator, and then an enduring friend.  Shalom Paula, Shalom.

Roberta Wohle - New Jersey/New York

My condolences to the family and HRC family. 
You are all in my prayers 

Sincerely,
LaNitra Gamble

LaNitra Gamble - Long Beach, California

I was surprised and saddened to learn of Paula's passing. She was such a force. I met Paula in 1977 when the parent network was just beginning to be supported by the U.S. Department of Education, which grew into the national system of Parent Training and Information Centers and Community Parent Resource Centers. I have so many memories of the times we were all together at national conferences.

Paula grew a small organization into one known throughout the country, and did so much good for children and young adults with disabilities and their families.  She was constantly looking for ways to increase PACER'S services to reach the greatest number of people possible. She helped so many new PTI Directors over the years.  

She experienced sadness, losing her husband while they were both young, and losing her son through an accident.  She experienced so much Joy from her grandchildren.  

Paula will be sorely missed.  

Judith Raskin - New Hampshire