Paula Cook Critchfield passed away on April 1, 2011.

Paula was born June 6, 1933 in Juneau Alaska, the oldest child of Norman and Amanda Cook.

After graduating from Juneau-Douglas High School in 1951, Paula attended Oregon State University, where she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, and graduated in 1954. Paula returned to Juneau where she met her future husband, Burke Critchfield. They married in December, 1955, and eventually settled in Livermore, California.

After raising their two children, Paula returned to work and spent 25 years as a residential real estate agent. In 2002, Paula and Burke retired to San Juan Island, Wash., where they built a home on the west side of the island. 

In retirement, Paula and Burke enjoyed boating with their many friends in the San Juan Island Yacht Club and the Friday Harbor Power Squadron.

Paula will always be remembered as a warm and welcoming hostess who loved entertaining friends and family in her home. Paula also loved skiing at Lake Tahoe, traveling in Europe, eating chocolate, and shopping at Nordstrom.

As family and friends reflected on Paula’s life, all were struck by her wonderful childhood memories of growing up in Juneau, Alaska, at Pt. Louisa; her pride in her Norwegian heritage, her affection for cats, and her love of being part of her grandchildren’s lives.

Paula is survived by her husband of 55 years, Burke, her daughter Pam of Oakland, Calif., grandchildren Abby and Andrew, her son Brad (Tracy) of Auburn, Calif., and grandsons, Ryan, Colin, Evan and Ian. Paula is also survived by her sister Dee Smith (Bob) of Sequim, Wash., niece Wendy, nephew Kris, and dear family and friends too numerous to mention.

Services will be held on May 22 at the Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church, with a Celebration of Life immediately following at the San Juan Island Yacht Club.

Remembrances may be made to the Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor, PO Box 1355, Friday Harbor, WA  98250 or the Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church, PO Box 946, Friday Harbor, WA  98250.

— Family of Paula Critchfield