The Philadelphia community mourns the loss of Paula Sunshine, a beloved figure whose radiant spirit touched countless lives across the city.
Her passing on February 3, 2024, leaves behind a legacy of unwavering dedication to community service and an enduring impact that will resonate through generations.
A Life Lived in Service and Love
Paula Sunshine’s journey as a guiding light in Philadelphia began at Adath Israel Congregation, where her commitment to faith and community took root. Alongside her devoted husband Bob Kagan, she built a life centered on family values and social responsibility.
Her infectious laugh and warm presence earned her the nickname “Sunshine” – a name that perfectly captured her essence.
Throughout her life, Paula maintained deep connections with her siblings Janet, Philip, Steven, and Ilene Sunshine, sharing their parents’ dedication to community service.
Her marriage to Bob Kagan blessed them with three children: Sarah, Micah, and Isaac, who grew up witnessing their mother’s extraordinary capacity for compassion.
A Career Rooted in Community
As a director of community programs, Paula’s professional life exemplified her commitment to serving others. Her work at various nonprofit organizations focused on neighborhood upliftment initiatives and mentoring underprivileged youth.
She collaborated closely with community leaders like Tim Haney and Bob Hamburger to establish programs that continue to benefit Philadelphia’s residents.
Her initiatives included:
- Creating sustainable food programs for vulnerable communities
- Establishing literacy programs for underprivileged children
- Developing environmental sustainability projects
- Organizing interfaith dialogue sessions
The Family That Meant the World
Paula’s greatest joy came from her family. Together with Bob Kagan, she created a warm and welcoming home at 250 N. Highland Avenue in Merion Station.
Their children – Sarah, Micah, and Isaac – along with their spouses and children, including Eli, Levi, and Gabriel Kagan, formed the center of her world. Family gatherings were marked by laughter, storytelling, and Paula’s famous holiday celebrations.
A Legacy of Giving Back
Paula’s impact on Philadelphia’s nonprofit sector stands as a testament to her lifelong dedication to service.
Working alongside colleagues like Susan Carson and David Hamburger, she pioneered initiatives that transformed lives.
Her environmental advocacy work with Emily Carson and Adam Carson created lasting change in community sustainability practices.
Remembering Paula Sunshine
The community will gather to honor Paula’s memory on Monday, February 5, 2024, at Adath Israel Congregation, PA 19066.
The service will begin at 10:30am, with a celebration of life reception following from 6:30pm-8:30pm.
Friends and family, including John Carson, Zachary Carson, and Simon Haney, will share memories of her remarkable life.
Honoring Her Memory
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to:
- Adath Israel Congregation’s Youth Programs
- The Paula Sunshine Memorial Fund for Community Service
- Local environmental initiatives she supported
Conclusion
Paula Sunshine’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void in Philadelphia’s heart, but her spirit lives on through the countless lives she touched.
Her children – Sarah, Micah, and Isaac Kagan – along with their families, continue her legacy of compassion and community service.
As Philadelphia’s compassionate figure, Paula Sunshine truly lived up to her name, brightening every life she touched with her warmth and dedication to others.
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