Paula Hollinger

Paula Hollinger (nee Colodny), of Sarasota, FL, passed away on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026, at the age of 85. She is survived by her devoted husband, Paul Hollinger; loving children, Ilene Hollinger and David (Kelli) Hollinger; and cherished grandchildren, Ethan Hollinger Malavenda, Emily Hollinger, Andrew Hollinger, Samantha Quick, Mitchell Gropman, Madeline Gropman and Benjamin Gropman. She was predeceased by her cherished daughter, Marcy Hollinger; and dear parents, Ethel and Samuel Colodny.

Paula C. Hollinger lived a life defined by service, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the power of working together. Whether at a patient’s bedside, in a classroom, or on the Senate floor, she brought a rare combination of empathy and determination to everything she did. A nurse by training and a public servant by calling, Paula never lost sight of the people behind the policies she championed.

Over nearly three decades in the Maryland General Assembly, Paula became a respected and influential leader, serving in both the House of Delegates and the State Senate. As Chair of the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee, she helped shape meaningful legislation that improved the lives of countless Marylanders. Her work reflected not only her deep knowledge of healthcare, but also her steadfast commitment to families, children, and vulnerable communities.

Paula’s impact extended far beyond Annapolis. A national voice in healthcare policy, she was a trailblazer who led efforts to expand access to care, support healthcare workers, and advance patient-centered reforms. From establishing Patient Care Advisory Committees to advocating for in-home healthcare and life-saving public defibrillators, her legacy is woven into the fabric of modern healthcare in Maryland and beyond.

Yet for all her professional accomplishments, Paula’s greatest joy was her family and the life she built with them. She shared a loving marriage with her husband of 63 years, Paul, and took immense pride in her children and grandchildren. She also had a deep love of travel, embracing every opportunity to explore new places, meet new people, and experience the world with curiosity and enthusiasm. In her later years, she and Paul enjoyed a vibrant life in Sarasota, where Paula remained actively engaged—attending community meetings, speaking out on issues she cared about, and never losing her voice as an advocate.

Paula will be remembered not only for what she achieved, but for how she lived—with warmth, humor, and authenticity. She believed deeply in staying true to oneself, often reminding others that even in serious work, there should always be room for laughter. Her legacy is one of heart, courage, and a life spent lifting others.

Services at Sol Levinson's Chapel, 8900 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208, on Sunday, March 29th at 12:00 PM. Interment Oheb Shalom Memorial Park. The funeral will be livestreamed from Sol Levinson's website for those unable to attend the service. Please omit flowers. Contributions in her memory may be sent to the SEED School of Maryland. The family will receive guests on Sunday following interment at the Marriot Owings Mills Metro Center, 10101 Grand Central Ave, Owings Mills, MD 21117.