Obituary of Paula Svonkin

The Svonkin family mourns the loss of Paula Sharon Svonkin, mother of Bob, his wife Daani-Ruth, Craig, Scott, and Jeanine, grandmother of Max, Maggie, Miranda, Rose, Sam, Shaina, her husband Alex, Caiden, and Laurielle, and sister of Pam Dubin. Paula passed away on February 19, 2022. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of forty-four years, Stanley Robert Svonkin. Paula was a true Eishet Chayil, a Woman of Valor known for her kindness, incredible work ethic, sometimes bawdy sense of humor, dedication to justice and community, and constant, thoughtful, loving endeavors on behalf of family, friends, her synagogues, and those in need. Paula was the first female student body president at Wilson High School in Los Angeles, and the first student body vice president at Cal State Los Angeles. In addition to volunteering for Temple Beth Torah in Alhambra, Congregation Shaarei Torah in Arcadia, and Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, she also ran two successful businesses, interior decorating and kosher catering. Paula was born in Los Angeles on September 27, 1939 to her parents, Dr. H. Mayer “Cy” Dubin, a talented physician, and Rose Hurwitz Dubin, a beloved elementary school teacher. Paula’s greatest pride was her family. She was a tireless, loving mother, wife, and grandmother, while always making time to give a helping hand to those who needed it.