From the outset, her home in Catonsville Baltimore was a sanctuary. It was a space where my voice could grow, my activism could continue to expand, and my hope could flourish. I remember her small notes in that unmistakable handwriting: “Andrew, please, when you come in, make sure the front door is locked so Sierra does not go out.” Simple words, yet they carried care, humor, and the subtle guidance that defined her life. Sierra, the first pet a cat I met with Paulette, silently observed our routines—a quiet companion in the rhythm of Paulette’s household. Gift cards on the kitchen counter with a smiley note acknowledging a task I accomplished, or reminders for meetings at Adelphi Friends or the Prince George’s County Vista Marketplace, were all gestures infused with thoughtfulness, care, and the quiet encouragement that defined her approach to mentorship.
Living with Paulette was more than shared space—it was a lesson in how to live with trust, generosity, and love. She never imposed rules, confident that I would perform the task and act with integrity, and I never disappointed her. Every interaction carried lessons in responsibility, attentiveness, and compassion.
Holidays with her beloved sister Debbie, brother-in-law Dickey, daughter Caroline, and their circle of friends were magical. Thanksgiving feasts, Fourth of July celebrations, and simple Sunday dinners radiated warmth, laughter, and inclusion. I still remember one Fourth of July when, mid-preparation for the fireworks, Paulette somehow knew it would be late before our first glimpse but encouraged us to stay and observe the sparklers,—while calmly reminding me to draft a grant proposal due the next day. Even in moments of noise around us, her grace and humor anchored everything.
Our activism together was a reflection of her boundless dedication. We were constantly in motion, propelled by a shared commitment to make a real difference in our world. Environmental stewardship meetings with Maryland Conservation Council (MCC) at various locations including at the Cove Natural Heritage trust sites, gatherings in members’ homes, and community discussions and excursions at the Solomon Islands became spaces where we applied our ideals. Peace and justice dialogues at Adelphi Friends Meeting intertwined neatly with efforts supporting immigrants and refugees like myself, striving to build lives in a land that was still unfamiliar.
At Christ the King Episcopal Church, (CTK) Paulette’s guidance became especially meaningful. Sundays became rituals of engagement: she introduced me to committees, projects, and initiatives, trusting that every task would be executed with care. “Go meet Andrew, he will fix it,” she would say. “Need a website? Social media pages? Grant writing? Andrew will handle it.” That introduction opened doors I had never imagined and instilled in me even more confidence that I carried into every responsibility, every meeting, and every challenge.
Together, we navigated extraordinary challenges. During Covid-19 pandemic from 2019 to 2022, and its aftermath Paulette’s quiet resolve became my anchor. We supported Christ the King Episcopal Church’s outreach programs during the setting up of its RISE programs, ensuring refugees, immigrants, and neighbors had the food, supplies, and care to sustain them through the crisis. We labored on the ground—sometimes literally on all fours—during the inception of the RISE Food Pantry program, establishing a foundation of support for thousands of those most in need. Even in moments of crisis, Paulette’s calm determination conveyed a message far beyond words: that dedication, faith, and compassion could lift communities and transform lives.
On many nights, I would sit back and quietly marvel at Paulette’s remarkable capacity—how did she manage to coordinate countless meetings, remain fully engaged in every committee, and still radiate warmth and encouragement to everyone around her? What gave her strength, I realized, was not ambition or recognition, but the deep satisfaction of knowing her actions were changing lives and making society stronger. Her dedication was guided by compassion, grounded in purpose, and sustained by a faith that every small effort mattered.
The small, everyday moments—the long drives across Maryland, the laughter over minor mishaps, the quiet reflections on the state of the world—remain etched in my memory. I remember one rainy afternoon when we were running late to a meeting at the Cove Natural Heritage Trust Site. Paulette’s car wipers were in action as we tried to beat the traffic and she smiled calmly, turned to me, and said, “Andrew, life is just a series of obstacles—let’s make this one fun,” and we ended up laughing through it while still arriving prepared and on time. She infused joy into heavy conversations, showing me that care and courage are not opposites, but companions, and that steadfast dedication to others can coexist with simple moments of shared laughter and reflection.
One of Paulette’s great gifts was her openness in sharing her circle of friends with me. She never kept people in compartments, but welcomed me naturally into her networks of trusted friends, with respect, and camaraderie. Through her, I came to know people who became not only companions in advocacy but conversation partners on life’s deeper questions. I especially remember the many months when we would go together for ‘salon’ visits with some of her closest friends. Those afternoons were never just about care for the body, but nourishment for the mind and soul. Between styling chairs and waiting-room laughter, the conversations would range widely—from protecting Maryland’s fragile environment to instilling democratic values in everyday American society, from the universal yearning for justice to memories of their youthful days, from travel experiences across the world to reflections on professional expertise. I sat in those circles and listened, learning, contributing, and marveling at how naturally Paulette cultivated spaces where ideas flowed freely, where everyone’s voice mattered, and where friendships deepened.
Paulette also delighted in introducing me to the arts, especially classical music. She and her beloved sister Debbie, along with her brother-in-law Dickey, shared a passion for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Together, we attended unforgettable performances, and each evening left an imprint on my memory. My first visit with Paulette was not to a solemn concert, but to the playful, animated magic of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, performed with live symphonic accompaniment. That evening was enchanting—whimsical music blending with storytelling, reminding me of childhood wonder and the way music can bridge fantasy and reality.
But there was one night I will never forget. On January 14, 2017, we attended a performance conducted by Marin Alsop, Baltimore’s iconic Music Director, who brought Beethoven to life with electrifying clarity. Marin’s interpretation of Beethoven’s passion and resilience spoke to me in the same way Paulette’s activism did: both were about creating beauty and hope in the face of hardship. Watching Marin, the first woman to head a major American orchestra, was a revelation. She embodied strength and artistry in a field still dominated by men, showing the world that leadership and vision are not confined by gender. Paulette admired Marin deeply, and that evening, sitting beside her, I felt part of something larger—an affirmation of creativity, inclusivity, and the breaking down of barriers.
The performance also transported me back to another moment in my life: hearing Plácido Domingo sing in the desert of Abu Dhabi during the Education Without Borders conference in 2007 where I was guest speaker. Just as Domingo’s voice had echoed through the night sky with power and vulnerability, Marin’s baton that evening re-echoed Beethoven’s notes in a way that transcended time and place. Paulette, Debbie, Dickey, and I left the hall with hearts lifted, our conversation lingering late into the night about music, resilience, and the power of women to redefine what is possible.
Her love for such cultural experiences was not confined to music. She had a penchant for seeking out events that expanded horizons and challenged perspectives. One of the most memorable was our visit to the National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C., for the Queens of Egypt exhibit. Walking through the immersive displays of Hatshepsut, Nefertiti, Cleopatra, and others, I was struck not only by the grandeur of their reigns but by the relevance of their stories today. These women had led with vision, strength, and diplomacy at times when their societies were in crisis. As we explored the exhibit together, Paulette reflected on how their examples could inspire contemporary society, especially in times when women’s leadership is still questioned. She spoke with conviction about the qualities women bring to public life—patience, inclusivity, and an instinct for peace—and how desperately our fractured world needs those qualities today.
That evening, I realized that Paulette’s admiration for these figures was not abstract. She herself embodied the same spirit of empowerment, using her own platform, however modest it might have seemed to her, to nurture others, advocate for justice, and open doors. Just as Hatshepsut and Nefertiti carved their legacies into history, Paulette carved her influence into the lives of those around her—not through monuments of stone, but through daily acts of kindness, courage, and solidarity.
It was in these small and large moments alike—environmental causes and peace and justice meetings, salon visits, symphony halls, museum galleries—that Paulette’s true character shone through. She believed in a life fully lived, a life where community, culture, and compassion intersected harmoniously. Her willingness to bring me into these experiences was not only generosity, but a lesson: that activism is not only about meetings and marches, but about embracing the fullness of life, cultivating joy, and recognizing the beauty that strengthens us for the struggles ahead.
Through the years, what I cherished most was not only the causes we supported together, but the way Paulette lived her life. Her faith in God was steady, her friendships enduring, and her kindness unmeasured. She believed in service without expectation, love without condition, and truth without compromise. She made space for others, not only in her home but in her heart.
Even after I moved to New York, our partnership endured. Zoom calls, FaceTime calls and texting each other became lifelines, enabling us to maintain our energy, focus, and advocacy across distances. Programs we had nurtured together continued to reach communities, guided by the same vision and determination we had cultivated in person. Her leadership was never about proximity; it was about faith in people, dedication to causes, and the quiet insistence that the world could—and should—be bettered through intentional action.
Paulette’s life demonstrated the lasting power of kindness, mentorship, and connection. She created safe spaces—not only in her home, but in the wider world she touched. She transformed uncertainty into possibility, vulnerability into courage, and strangers into family. Every act of compassion she performed extended far beyond its moment, touching lives and communities in ways that continue to resonate.
As I reflect on her passing, I am comforted by the countless ways she shaped the lives of those around her. For me, she was more than a friend—she was family, mentor, and companion on the journey. The memory of her generosity and spirit will continue to guide me, reminding me that a meaningful life is not measured in accolades, but in the quiet, faithful ways we lift others up.
Paulette Hammond lived such a life. And for that, I remain deeply grateful.
As I reflect on her life and our shared journey, I remember Paulette as one who followed the teachings of Christ—to love thy neighbor, to serve without expectation, and to act with humility, courage, and unwavering faith. Her presence may no longer grace the streets of Baltimore or our church gatherings, but her influence lives on—in every life she touched, in every program she nurtured, and in the ongoing example of love, integrity, and action she shared. I am deeply grateful for her friendship, guidance, and the extraordinary gift of her example. Paulette’s light, once bright in this world, now continues to guide others, reminding us that to live fully, we must care deeply, act courageously, and cherish the connections that make life meaningful.
Her last text to me a five days before she was called by God to rest carried the same hope and faith times that defined her life even when times were difficult and uncertain.
She texted me saying: “Just found out I'm going back to Charlestown, the best result ever. Yeah!”
I rejoiced with her in response to her text and praised God for the news. May her soul rest in God’s peace. She will be missed!
This photo was taken during Saint Patrick’s Day at home in Catonsville, Baltimore, Maryland 2018
Andrew Benson Greene
BA International Relations, Civil Law and English - Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone
Jeanne Sauvé Scholar at McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
United Nations ITU Telecom World Digital Innovation Fellow in Geneva 2011, Dubai 2012.
MSL candidate at Francis King Carey School of Law.
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