Paula Baron (nee Levin) passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026, in her Chicago home at age 91. Dedicated to family, teaching, activism, and social justice, Paula touched the lives of others. Paula is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Hal, and her brother, Steve. Paula is survived by her three children, her six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

A Chicago native, Paula graduated Hyde Park High School, spent two years at the University of Michigan, and completed a master's degree in history at the University of Chicago. Married at age 19, Paula raised her family and worked full-time as a history teacher in the Chicago Public School system. She spent many years teaching at Tilden High School, on the city's south side, and moved to The Chicago Public High School for Metropolitan Studies (Metro), when it opened in 1970. Metro was a radical experiment in alternative education, known as the "School without Walls," and Paula was perfectly suited to teach history in this innovative environment. Cultural organizations, businesses, and neighborhoods in Chicago became classroom settings for Metro students. Paula taught history with great creativity, connecting with students from all walks of life to help them understand links between the past, the present, and their preferred futures. One example is an oral history project that Paula structured where her students interviewed local politicians, teachers, activists, community leaders, and artists like the legendary Ma Rainey and Oscar Brown Jr. Paula retired from teaching in the public schools in 1996 and went on to share her knowledge as a supervisor of student teachers, working at Northeastern University until 2008. Throughout her life, former students would be in touch with Paula to express how her teaching and acts of understanding and kindness had changed their lives.

A deep commitment to activism and social justice was a fundamental bond that Paula and Hal Baron shared. Together, they worked and supported one another to create meaningful social change locally in Chicago, nationally, and internationally. Their love, dedication, and generosity shaped the lives of their children and their families in countless ways. As a proud grandmother, Paula was uniquely engaged in each of her grandchildren's lives. Celebrations and photos throughout her home were testimony to her love of family. Paula was an avid reader and a member of two book clubs. She enjoyed exchanging ideas and contributing to group camaraderie. Paula's many friends will remember her thoughtfulness, and willingness to listen, help, and care. Paula will be deeply missed by family and friends.

A celebration of the life of Paula Baron will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 7:00 – 10:00 pm at the Edgewater Beach Apartments, 5555 N Sheridan Road, Chicago. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to: Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI), 2245 S. Michigan Ave, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60616, (312) 226-5141