In Memoriam

Paula was an incredible advocate and motivator. Early in my journey she invited me to join the PACER Board as a young parent of a child with disabilities. She ignited a flame in me that strengthened me as a fellow advocate and motivated me to continue the work. Paula did this for many parents, families and the community at large. The smile and encouragement was amazing. She will be remembered and missed by many. 

Rita Wiersma - Stillwater MN

Paula Goldberg was a true visionary, and she used that vision to empower children with disabilities and their families. Despite being an internationally recognized leader, Paula always made me feel welcome when I attended the PTI PACER Center Technical Assistance Conferences.  Her team emulated PACER Center’s mission and was eager to help Parent Training and Information Centers embrace technology to reach families all over the country.  I offer my deepest condolences to her family and the PACER Center family. Her passing is a tremendous loss that will be felt throughout the disability community.

Paula Wills, PMP - Chicago, Illinois

Paula was a force of nature and I will always be grateful for her support and kindness she shared with me when I because a parent center director 20 years ago.  She was so welcoming and inclusive and made me feel like I belong in this powerful network of advocates.  Paula's leadership and mentorship were legendary. I am saddened to learn of her passing and send thoughts of comfort to her family members and all her coworkers at PACER. I wish peace and and precious memories to all of you.  Paula was a strong, visionary, and caring woman who will be missed but not forgotten.  

Debbie Einhorn - Effingham, IL

Paula leaves an important legacy of passion, strategic advocacy, commitment, and relentless energy. This legacy of work benefited children and youth with disabilities, their families, communities, and the field. She will be missed, but her work will continue. She was a gift to all of us. 

Lise Fox, NCPMI - Tampa, Florida

I worked at PACER way back when it was on Chicago Avenue, from 1994 to 1998. I was just an administrative assistant, but I was treated with respect by everyone I worked with and for, and that included Paula. 

I was a little in awe of her and Marge back then: those two women had started a whole organization from scratch and were pioneers in organizing parents to advocate for their disabled kids. 

My strongest memories of Paula are her vibrant presence in the office. She had a hands-on approach to leadership and a deep commitment to doing as much as possible to fulfill PACER's mission. I remember her double-checking the program for the annual benefit to make sure all the ads were in, all the text was right. She just cared so much.

She also encouraged me in my work as I got more involved in writing and editing materials, and she gave me the first bonus I ever received at a job. I was grateful for her generosity and for being recognized for my contributions.

For years afterward, when I sent in my modest annual donation to PACER, she would handwrite a thank-you on the acknowledgment letter. 

PACER would not have achieved its significant successes without her visionary leadership.

My condolences to her family and friends and to all my former colleagues at PACER who are remembering with fondness, as I am, that passion and intelligence we saw every day in the office.

Beth Wright - Minneapolis, MN

I was always grateful to the PACER workshop I attended in preparing your "special needs" child for college. It was advised to get an updated evaluation which was done.  We also spent that summer touring the college campus, seeing his dorm and following his schedule and where his classes were going to be. Because of this preparation, Stewart became acclimated to college, making his transition so much easier. He is now a very successful computer software engineer.  Thank you Paula for your dedication to children.  

Bev Seltz, Golden Valley

Beverly Seltz - Golden Valley

I don't even remember how I learned about PACER, but the impact it has made in my life and my daughter's can not be measured. The free classes, the Simon Technology Center and knowing that someone is only a phone call away has made all of the difference. From teaching me the laws, how to read an IEP, help with MA questions and lending toys that made life fun for a while, PACER has been in my back pocket. Any event I attended or volunteered at, Paula always made her way over to chat and thank me for my time and contributions. While I was one of many in a crowd, she reminded me everyone needs to feel welcome. Thank you, Thank you, thank you Paula for not only helping me and my daughter with our journey, but having the vision all of those years ago to create a society that sees past the disability and sees people for who they are and who they can be. This work took time from your family, please know it did not go unnoticed. May you rest in peace and know that your legacy will live on. ~Danielle, Don and Cathleen Costello

Danielle Costello - Oakdale, Minnesota

Earlier today when I found out that Paula had passed on my first thought was, "OH NO, NOT PAULA!" Paula was a classmate of ours in the St Louis Park, MN High School Class of 1960.  I had not seen her or thought of her until January, 2017 when a mutual friend of Paula's and mine, Katy Johnson Hallberg told me about the PACER CENTER.  I was coming home to MN the next month to visit my uncle so I contacted Paula to ask if I could visit the PACER CENTER.  She welcomed me and gave me a tour.  I was above and beyond impressed and thrilled with every single aspect of this incredible institution.  The essence of Paula shined through as we met staff, Paula glowed as she introduced them. There was no hubris in Paula Goldberg.  She was the living example of an exceptional Leader; soft-spoken and calling attention to everyone except herself for the magnificent wonder that is the PACER CENTER!  Later that year I and several of her classmates were at the ceremony and reception when Paula received the highest non-academic hone the University of Minnesota confers, The Outstanding Achievement Award.  The next year we were also with her when she received the Park High School Distinguished Alumni Award.  You were taken from us way too soon, Dear Paula!  May your Beautiful, Giving, and Serving Soul Rest in Peace.

Gordie Kaplan - Evanston, IL