In Memoriam

Paula Goldberg was a visionary who came to the aid of parents who had children with disabilities.  She and Co-Founder Marge Goldberg started PACER to help parents understand the laws regarding the educational rights afforded their children. Advocacy was the goal.  She was dedicated to providing workshops, materials and support to Minnesota parents, as well as across the nation.  She worked tirelessly to this end.  So many benefitted and are grateful. Kudos for a job well done.  As Paula would raise a glass to toast her staff and multitudes of energized volunteers, she would say, “Here’s to you, you’re TERRIFIC”!  May we say the same about her!

With sadness and love,
Cathy Milota,
Former  ‘Count Me In’ Coordinator

Cathy Milota - Bloomington, MN 55437

Paula was such a fierce leader that will be missed by so many.  Her passion, tenacity, and determination in everything she did were only matched with the love she had for her family.  Paula provided so much guidance and inspiration when I was a new parent center executive director.  Over the years when I came across challenges, I often asked myself, what would Paula do?  This is undoubtedly a huge loss.  

Mary Jacob - New Orleans, LA

Paula was a dear friend and colleague over many years of my career. She was always looking out and assisting parents of children with disabilities! She was known nationally, not just in her State. She always had a smile on her face and constantly moving forward in making PACER the "place to go" for support and resources. I will never forget Paula and all she had done. Paula always kept "the main thing the main thing--children and youth with disabilities". She will be greatly missed and her legacy will live on for many generations.

regards,
John Copenhaver

John Copenhaver - Logan, Utah

Paula was an inspiration to All.

Lorraine Barnes - Alabama

I have a daughter with Down syndrome and I attended many PACER workshops over the years while Katie was in public school. The skills I gained helped me advocate for an inclusive and appropriate education for Katie, as well as for my other two sons--in all their educational systems. When I was ready to re-enter the workforce full-time, my top choice of an employer was PACER. I was so blessed to be interviewed personally by Paula and I am blessed to now work for PACER and carry on her mission. Thank you Paula for your vision and determination to create, develop, and lead PACER for 45 years. My family has been forever positively impacted.

Kathie Brinkman - West St. Paul, MN

I was fortunate to have worked with both Paula and Marge Goldberg as the new laws and rules for children and youth with disabilities were being adopted and implemented in the mid 1970’s.  Getting information and professional development to schools was important but as or more important was getting parents educated.  Paula and Marge approached us at the Mn Dept of Education and we agreed to provide a small grant of $10,000 to help.  It was their powerful vision that was so inspiring.  Parents helping parents.  The “dilemma” of how to get information to parents was solved.  Of course the much larger grants from the federal govt provided the resources for their amazing work.

Paula always had time for everyone in need.  Such a competent and professional person who led one of the most helpful organizations in the country.  She was listened to by legislators, congresspersons, commissioners, superintendents and more.  PACER is known everywhere because of its amazing work that has touched millions  of parents of children, youth and adults with disabilities.

Thank you Paula.  You were a part of “The Feminine Mystique.” We are so grateful.

Bob Wedl - Minneapolis

Paula was a great business leader at Pacer !! She did everything well in her own way. I also enjoyed seeing her at the Annual Spring Benefits at the Minneapolis Convention Center. She really socialize with me and other people too !! It won’t be the same without her. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family !!

Leo Bruhl - Richfield, MN

My heart is broken and sadden by this tremendous loss.  I send my deepest thoughts and sincerest condolences to everyone at PACER and to the many families she touched.  The heavens definitely gained an Angel.

Lourdes Rivera-Putz - Brooklyn NY