Paula Hangja Carlsgaard

Paula Carlsgaard (née Hang Ja Chang) was born on March 2, 1941, in Kyung Nam, South Korea to Gi Hawn Chang, and Jeong Seon Lee. She made the journey to her home in Heaven on February 11, 2024 - three days after reaching her 55th wedding anniversary.

While growing up in Korea, Paula (Hang Ja), and her three brothers and three sisters, lived in Busan where she attended an all-girls High School. She was able to attend some of the high school reunions over the years and renewed several friendships from her schooldays. In 1958 the family moved to Seoul and she enrolled at Ewha Woman’s University where she majored in Chinese Art and Brush Painting. While she was quite happy to pursue her studies in Seoul, Paula’s father saw the opportunity for his daughter to join her diplomat uncle in the Korean Embassy in London as something not to be missed.

In London, Paula continued her studies through classes at the London School of Art and earned a certification from the Katinka School of Dress Design. She deepened her interest and knowledge of art (especially 17th and 18th Century European), and women’s fashion and dress design. Paula eventually gained a position in a boutique off Bond Street creating formal gowns and wedding dresses. In 1963, Paula visited All Souls Church, Langham Place (near Oxford Circus and the BBC Studios), where she joined the International Student’s Bible Study and made many long-lasting friendships with people from all over the world. It was through the Biblical teaching, worship, and fellowship at All Souls that Paula’s Christian faith budded and grew and remained an integral part of her life all her years. Here, she also met her husband, George, who was stationed in London through the U.S. Air Force. They married in 1969.

While living in London, she took advantage of opportunities to travel throughout Europe – both before and after her marriage. Especially memorable was her honeymoon in Tunisia, North Africa, where the newlyweds escaped the snow and cold of England. Traveling and exploring new places was always part of her life. Over the years, Paula enjoyed visiting an ever-growing list of art galleries and museums in many countries and locales. By far, her favorite was the National Gallery at Trafalgar Square in London and the Legion of Honor gallery in San Francisco.

After the birth of their first-born, James (1970), Paula returned to Korea as they were able to secure an assignment to HQ US 8th Army Command in Seoul. Their three-years in Korea was an exciting, busy time with family, new friends, travel and, not the least – the birth of a daughter, Lydia (1971). George was then assigned to South Carolina, USA where vacations were spent traveling up-and-down the East Coast and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. A motor home enabled ventures to the upper Midwest and a U.S. Southern Tier trip, which included her visiting parents, to LA and back. She also continued her dress design and creating activities, including putting on fashion shows at the Air Force Officers Club.

A mainstay of Paula’s and her family’s lives was their involvement in the Chapel programs (both Army and Air Force). That had the added benefit of making long-lasting friendships that continued throughout her life. Likewise, after moving from South Carolina to San Jose, California in the late 1970’s, they would be very involved with Church, which over 40+ years would include Trinity Presbyterian, Evangelical Covenant, St. Timothy’s Lutheran (all in San Jose area) and Trinity Lutheran in Indio, CA.

After moving to California, Paula began working at Macy’s, eventually getting stationed at the Estee Lauder cosmetics counter where her art and fashion background made a smooth transition to makeup artist. She was particularly sought after by customers and friends for makeovers for weddings and special events. She later moved to the Neiman Marcus Estee Lauder cosmetics counter and enjoyed many years of assisting customers.

With the favorable California weather and the influence of friends, Paula took up golf around the turn of the century. It became a favorite activity that she and her husband greatly enjoyed together. Dress making, sewing, and painting continued throughout her life. The greatest joy and fondest memories were experienced through sharing in the lives of her three grandchildren; from their births in the early 2000’s to their recent career commencements.

Paula’s journey to her eternal home in Heaven was preceded by her son James in February 2022. She is survived by her husband George (Palm Desert, CA), her daughter Lydia and son-in-law, Robert Nuddleman (Livermore CA), three grandchildren: Trinity (Sonoma, CA), Benjamin (Edwards AFB), and Elijah (Camp Pendleton), three brothers: Se Gil Chang (Fremont, CA), Se Won Chang (Seoul, Korea), and Se In Chang (Fullerton, CA); three sisters: Eun Jean Chang and Eun Young Chang (Seoul, Korea), and Rebecca Kim (Fremont, CA). Paula’s memorial service is on March 2, at 3 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, Indio CA with reception following. Her internment burial at the Riverside National Cemetery is to be scheduled.