Paula Stevenson

Paula Wolfson Stevenson touched millions of lives, literally and from the beginning. The first of three children born to Marty and Irene Wolfson in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1952, Paula was one of the 161 “Salk babies,” who received the first polio vaccine developed by Jonas Salk. As a result, Polio has been effectively eradicated around the world within Paula’s lifetime. Paula would later become a broadcast journalist, read, heard and seen around the world by hundreds of millions via the Voice of America.

Her broadcast career began at the tender age of three. Her father, an accomplished artist, hosted a local weekend children’s television program. It was completely live television at the time. One morning as he acknowledged a local bread sponsor, Paula squirmed free from her mother’s arms off camera and excitedly ran to her father yelling “Daddy, Daddy, that’s the kind of bread we have at home!” The rest, as they say, is history.

A proud journalism graduate of Penn State with a Master’s Degree from American University, Paula briefly worked for local television in Pittsburgh before taking an opportunity to move to Washington D.C. and join VOA. Over 33 years, Paula mostly served as a correspondent on Capitol Hill and at the White House, reporting on four Presidential administrations. As a result, she traveled the world during times and at locations accessible to only world leaders.

Her editors, colleagues, well-known top journalists from other media outlets routinely praised her direct but eloquent prose and pleasantly confident delivery. Paula’s constant, effervescent, buoyant abundance of energy instantly made those she met a big fan. She freely gave of her time to share her knowledge with others, and especially to mentor young journalists.

After VOA, she briefly covered health issues with WTOP radio. She volunteered with Suited for Change, a non-profit organization helping young disadvantage women look their best for job interviews. Her lifetime of service to others was deeply rooted in her Jewish faith. Paula’s youthful inquisitiveness and wonderment of the world was infectious, as was her love for Penn State football, and Pittsburgh’s “City of Champions” teams – Penguins, Steelers and Pirates. She summoned the fortitude to attempt - and complete - five marathons, her first at age 60.

Paula’s incredibly positive spirit amazed her doctors and family as she endured her biggest marathon against pancreatic cancer. Through it she was strong, went through it without pain, and peacefully transitioned on March 13, 2024. She will be interred at Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C. She is survived by a large family, including husband James Stevenson, siblings Todd Wolfson and Marla Wilhelm, and The Balks.

In lieu of flowers, Paula might suggest subscribing to your local newspaper. Donations in her name to Suited for Change and/or the American Cancer Society are welcome.