Born February 26, 1949, in Altoona, she was the daughter of the late Thomas J. and Madeline J. (Becher) Dillon; and was preceded in death by her two brothers, Timothy and Michael Dillon.
She is survived by her husband of 44 years, William; daughters Anne Pontius and Moira Baldwin; sons William and Matthew Fogarty; grandsons William and Eugene Baldwin and Paul “PJ” and Timothy Pontius; her sister Mary Pat Gregorits and her brother James Dillon; sons-in-law Paul Pontius and Brian Baldwin; sisters-in-law Nancy Dillon, Patricia Garno, Dale Fogarty, Sandi Fogarty, Caroline Dillon and Patti Fogarty; and brothers-in-law Edmund Garno, Eugene Fogarty, Terrence Fogarty and David Gregorits. Her survivors also include many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Paula graduated from Seven Sorrows School, Middletown; Bishop McDevitt High School, Harrisburg; Penn State University and Villanova University. She spent her early childhood in Altoona, PA with many of her relatives with whom she remained close throughout her life. As a young woman she won many awards for her writing and, in particular, her poetry. She loved being near the ocean, spending time with her beloved sister Mary Pat, family gatherings, literature and could quote obscure passages or facts about any topic. She was a reporter for the Harrisburg Patriot News in the 1970’s, where she had her own byline writing articles on a variety of topics. She taught English at Villanova University where she earned her master’s degree. She worked for her dear friend, the late State Senator Stewart Greenleaf for many years helping him craft speeches and testimony. In his role as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Paula was instrumental in helping to change laws to help people and animals. She was most proud of her work on getting rid of “puppy mills” in Pennsylvania and on helping those wrongly imprisoned. She was always trying to help others, often putting others' interests ahead of her own. Her humble nature led her to never seek recognition. She volunteered for many years at her high school, which she loved, in the archives department. That work continued even when she was very sick. Most of all she loved teaching her children the values of faith and kindness. She shared her love for music and creativity with her children, and enjoyed helping with talent shows, plays, costumes, and writing songs. She was also their best friend and the person they most wanted to spend time with, even as adults. At the time of her passing, Paula was working on a book of remembrances for each of her four grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. Paula was also a substitute Sunday School teacher at her church.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00AM Friday, July 30, 2021, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 6150 Allentown Blvd., Harrisburg. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:30AM until 11:00AM in the narthex of the church. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.
Donations in her name may be made to the Little Flower Tuition Assistance Fund, Bishop McDevitt High School, One Crusader Way, Harrisburg, PA 17111, or to a charity of one’s choosing.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neillharrisburg.com for the Fogarty family.
