Paula H. Critelli

Paula H. Critelli of New Hampton, a retired owner of Joe’s Greenhouses, died peacefully at Schervier Pavilion ("The Spa" as Paula called it) in Warwick on Friday, Dec. 8, 2017, after a five-year battle with AL amyloidosis. She was 71.
The daughter of Howard Lattimer and Alice Phillips Lattimer, she was born on Jan. 29, 1946, in Middletown.
She was a member of Minisink Valley High School Class of 1963.
Paula lovingly baked cookies, brownies with liqueur, and cakes for those she loved. She was a very talented artist who loved to paint, draw and sew and could make anything into a masterpiece with a few moments of thought and her hands, with her faithful black Labradors at her side. She also was very well known for her green thumb and her flower gardens.
Every November, Paula and Joe would travel to Maui, where Paula would sketch mermaids and scenery while at the beach.
Upon returning home, Paula would tirelessly prepare for her favorite Christmas Season, baking and sewing dolls for her grandchildren. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter, grandmother and friend. Her wit and dry sense of humor will always be remembered.
She is survived by her son, Gary R. Knibbs Jr. and Jessica Ferrari; daughter, Brenda Knibbs Penaluna and husband Rich; grandchildren: Samantha and Brianna Knibbs; Richard and Lydia Penaluna; sister Joan June; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her husband Joseph Critelli, who just passed away Sept. 6, 2017.
Memorial visitation was held, for both Joe and Paula, Dec. 14, at T.S. Purta Funeral Home in Florida.
Memorial services, for both Paula and her husband Joe, were held Dec. 15 at the funeral home.
Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery along with her husband Joe.
The family would like to thank the staff at Schervier Pavilion, Dr. Suzanne Lentzsch and Dr. Melana Yuzefpolskaya of New York Presbyterian Hospital and Dr. Jeffrey Steward of Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Goshen Humane Society, PO Box 37, Goshen, NY 10924 or to Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc., 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the T.S. Purta Funeral Home.
To send a condolence online, please go to www.purtafuneralhome.com.