Paula Steichen Polega passed away peacefully at her Hendersonville, NC home, with her son beside her, in the early morning hours of Saturday, January 13, 2024, after a courageous year-long battle with colon cancer. She was 80.
Born in Chicago to writer Helga Sandburg Crile, and the granddaughter of poet and historian Carl Sandburg, Paula's early years were shaped by her life on the family farm, Connemara, in Flat Rock, NC
In 1952, she moved to the Washington DC area and eventually to Cleveland, OH. She attended the University of Chicago and subsequently earned her bachelor's degree from Case Western Reserve University. After completing her studies, she published a lovely memoir, "My Connemara," about the Sandburgs and the wonderful early years of her childhood.
In 1972, she returned to the Southern Appalachian mountains, initially moving to Tuxedo, NC where she reconnected with the traditions of the mountains, before finally moving to Jeter Mountain.
In the years that followed, timber was cleared, a house was built, Paula and Stanley were married, and two babies, Sky and then Birch, were born.
Paula Steichen Polega is survived by her son, Birch Polega; her brother, Dr. John Steichen (Liz); her half-sister Char Campbell (Evan). She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sky; her husband of 45 years, Stanley; and her half-brother Greg Thoman. A private memorial service will be held in the spring.
Paula Steichen Polega passed away peacefully at her Hendersonville, NC home, with her son beside her, in the early morning hours of Saturday, January 13, 2024, after a courageous year-long battle with colon cancer. She was 80.
Born in Chicago to writer Helga Sandburg Crile, and the granddaughter of poet and historian Carl Sandburg, Paula's early years were shaped by her life on the family farm, Connemara, in Flat Rock, NC
In 1952, she moved to the Washington DC area and eventually to Cleveland, OH. She attended the University of Chicago and subsequently earned her bachelor's degree from Case Western Reserve University. After completing her studies, she published a lovely memoir, "My Connemara," about the Sandburgs and the wonderful early years of her childhood.
In 1972, she returned to the Southern Appalachian mountains, initially moving to Tuxedo, NC where she reconnected with the traditions of the mountains, before finally moving to Jeter Mountain.
In the years that followed, timber was cleared, a house was built, Paula and Stanley were married, and two babies, Sky and then Birch, were born.
Paula Steichen Polega is survived by her son, Birch Polega; her brother, Dr. John Steichen (Liz); her half-sister Char Campbell (Evan). She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sky; her husband of 45 years, Stanley; and her half-brother Greg Thoman. A private memorial service will be held in the spring.
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