Dr. Paula Jorde Bloom, age 70, died peacefully in her home on February 17th. after living with cancer for over 18 years. Paula was a pioneer in the development of leadership training and accreditation for early childhood education and published numerous articles and over 20 books in her field. Paula will be remembered as a compassionate leader who gave the best of her intellect and heart to young children, teachers, directors, scholars, family and friends. More on her professional life and her role as the founder of the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership can be found in this link.
Paula was born on September 27, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan, but spent most of her life in California, prior to moving to Lake Bluff, IL 35 years ago. She is survived by her loving husband Darrell, mother Annette Luck, brothers Randy and Mathew, daughters Kristine and Laura, and sons Todd and Erik. Each of her children have two daughters.
A memorial service to celebrate Paula’s life will be held on March 2nd at 1:00pm in the John and Nancy Hughes Theater at the Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, Il 60044. A reception will follow in the Stuart Room.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship Fund for Leadership Education at the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Education at National Louis University, 6200 Capitol Drive, Wheeling, IL 60090.
A McCormick Center archived photo of Dr. Paula Jorde Bloom.
