Paula Johnson
Paula Lee (Hasselbring) Johnson, age 74, of Maplewood, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026.
Paula was born on August 30, 1951, in Lafayette, Indiana, to Carol and the late Jack Hasselbring. She was a graduate of Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, and earned her Master’s degree in English from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
After teaching English in Cairo, Egypt for a year, Paula built a distinguished career as a benefits consultant with Johnson & Higgins and later Marsh McLennan, retiring in 2024.
Paula was a devoted member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, in St. Louis, where she found deep community and spiritual fulfillment serving on various committees. An accomplished cook, gardener, and quilter, her handmade gifts warmly marked countless family and friend milestones. She was a passionate reader, lifelong learner, avid theater-goer, museum enthusiast, and an ardent fan of St. Louis Cardinals baseball and Purdue basketball. Paula also dedicated over 15 years as a volunteer judge for local and national youth robotics competitions.
Above all, Paula cherished time spent traveling, sharing meals, and playing board games on cross-country road trips with her family and friends. She will be dearly remembered for her love, kindness, and generous spirit.
Survivors & Preceded in Death
Survived by: Her mother, Carol Hasselbring; her brother, Mark Hasselbring; her son James, his wife Katie, and their daughter Felicity; and her son Edward “Ted” and his wife Jess.
Preceded in death by: Her father, Jack Hasselbring, and her brother, Steve Hasselbring.(opens in new tab)
Services & Memorials
Memorial Service: Saturday, August 15, 2026, beginning at 2:00 PM
Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paula’s honor to PBS St. Louis(opens in new tab) or St. Louis Public Radio.(opens in new tab)