By Donald H. Harrison
SAN DIEGO –Paula Siegel, who brought a Jewish passion for tikkun olam to Democratic party politics in California, died at 4 a.m. Thursday, January 30, in her Banker’s Hill home in San Diego. She was 82.
Siegel worked as a volunteer or as a consultant in numerous local, state and national political campaigns, including those for every Democratic presidential candidate from John F. Kennedy in 1960 to Hillary Clinton in 2008. She also was a member of the Democratic National Committee, and was a delegate from California favoring George McGovern at the 1972 Democratic Convention.
At the same time, she was active in San Diego’s Jewish community, both as a member of the former Congregation Beth Tefilah and Congregation Beth Israel.
Paula Siegel was renowned in San Diego political circles for her biting wit. In one widely quoted incident, when she met an oft-time Democratic candidate who introduced herself as Mary Christian Heising, she promptly responded, “And I’m Paula Jewish Siegel.”
She believed strongly in the progressive politics of the Democratic party, and rallied behind party nominees. Similarly, the Queens-born, New York City-raised Siegel became involved in numerous civic causes benefiting the city.
California Gov. Jerry Brown, upon hearing news of Siegel’s death, said: “Paula was incredibly active in civic affairs and extraordinarily dedicated to the public weal.”
Congresswoman Susan Davis commented: “You could always count on Paula to go out of her way to support the people and causes she cared about. And she never shied away from letting you know what she felt about issues. She strongly lived a life of tikkun olum.”
“Paula Siegel was a bright force for good,” said State Sen. Marty Block. “She was a real leader in the San Diego Jewish community and a committed fighter for Democratic principles.”
“Paula’s tireless and lifelong dedication to the Democratic Party and its values serves as inspiration to us all,” said San Diego’s Acting Mayor Todd Gloria. “My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.”
“Very sad,” San Diego City Councilwoman Marti Emerald said in reaction. “Paula was brilliant, fun, passionate and stood by her beliefs and her friends.”
A friend, former neighbor and former chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party, Rita Luftig, said of Siegel: “She was a loyal supporter of the Democratic party and worked hard for the issues she believe in. She will be missed.”
Former Assemblyman Howard Wayne commented that in the 1980’s Siegel “was a stalwart supporter of the San Diego County Democratic party. There were not many Democratic party events where you wouldn’t find Paula. We’ll all miss her.”
Noting that when she moved here in the 1950s San Diego was a “cultural backwater,” compared to her beloved New York, Siegel was among the early supporters of the San Diego Jewish arts, such as the Film Festival and the Book Fair, which has since grown into one of the largest and most respected in the nation.
“We are saddened by the loss of a longtime member and supporter of both the San Diego Jewish community and of San Diego generally,” commented Michael Sonduck, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego County.
Born January 6, 1932 to William and Regina (Goldstein) Becker, Paula attended college in New York City and found employment as a dental hygienist. She married Dr. Robert Siegel, a dentist, in 1953 and the couple moved two years later to San Diego. During their 30 year marriage, the Siegels had four children: Karen; Jonathan (Barbara Lounsbury); Michael (Kris Alman); and Donald, all of whom survive. She also was a devoted grandmother to Max, Rebecca, Leah, Benjamin, and Nathan, about whom she exercised the grandmother’s prerogative to brag to her many friends. Siegel’s devotion to her family included taking care of her parents, as well as Bob’s mother, Goldie, in their later years. Siegel was pre-deceased by her husband, and her twin brother, Stanley Becker.
After her husband died in 1983, Paula and her children established the Robert Siegel Memorial Lecture, which has been presented at the Jewish Book Fair for many years. She was an avid supporter of the Jewish Film Festival also. For those who wish to honor her memory, please support the Jewish arts that Paula loved so well by contributing to the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture at www.sdcjc.org, or contact Leora Waiche at 858-362-1347.
Burial services will be held at 10 :30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at the Home of Peace Cemetery, 3668 Imperial Avenue in San Diego.
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Readers may share remembrances of Paula Siegel in the comment box below. All messages will be transmitted to the Siegel family.
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Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World. He may be contacted via
donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com
Rabbi Wayne Dosick wrote: Zt”l. Another of San Diego’s greatest…
Gene Cubbison, KNSD TV Channel 7/39 reporter, wrote: “What a life, what a legacy – and a loss to those of us who admired her and now remain behind.”
Paula was a great role model for our activist children. I admire her political and arts initiatives. And she was a lovely, elegant and funny woman, too!
What sad news! Yes, biting wit and more. Her firm views were unshakable. The Democratic party has lost a real voice and true loyalist. Meredith French
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Siegel family. So many wonderful memories of our families at Beth Tefilah, the 54th. Street JCC,the SD Jewish Film Festival, and the Book Fair.
Paula always was so full of energy and tirelessly did so much for so many. When our Mom was first diagnosed with MS, her friend, Paula Siegel stood by then and until our mother’s passing in 2005.She will be missed. With love, Kim, Michele,Howard,and Richard Kipnis.
So saddened to hear this news.
Dear Karen, Jonathan, Michael, Donald and families,
My brother Norman and I send you our sympathies.
Your father was our first dentist, who we knew for most of our early lives. Although I did not know your mother well, I remember that she had a vibrant personality, and that your father was deeply devoted to her.
Our mother, Shirley Perkiss, knew both your parents. In fact she worked for your father for many years at his Lakeside dental office. Actually, I worked for him too when I was in high school; first as a yard girl, then as an office cleaner. I remember his cheerful nature, bright and curious intellect, and him singing and humming as he worked on my teeth.
Our mother was the same age as your mother, and she too died of cancer at home, on a winter day three years ago. So, we know you must miss your mother terribly.
Please remember “The people we love never go away for they live in our hearts.”
and that “A mother’s hug lasts long after she lets go.”
Sincerely,
Pam Perkiss Thomasson