Paula Susan Catello's Obituary
Paula Catello, age 61, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on November 10, 2024. She was born on February 24, 1963, in Grantham, Lancashire, England, to the late Colin and Shirley Charity. Paula was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend who touched the lives of all who knew her.
Paula grew up in Grantham with her parents and her sister, Elaine. She met the love of her life, Ken, while attending Harlaxton College in 1980. The two married in Grantham in 1981 and they quickly became inseparable. Together, they moved to Florida, where their life together began.
Ken’s subsequent career in the US Army took them on many adventures, including being stationed in Germany for four years where, in 1985, they welcomed their son, Christopher. Upon returning to the United States, they lived in California, where the arrival of their daughter, Maria, in 1993 completed their family circle. After Ken retired from the Army, they settled in Lakeland, Florida, where Paula worked in management at Walmart and Blockbuster.
Paula developed a deep love for travel during the years spent with Ken in the Army, making multiple trips to Europe to explore cities like Paris, Rome, London, Florence, and Amsterdam to name a few. This love of adventure never faded, and she continued to enjoy traveling throughout her life.
Her greatest pride and joy came from her family. Paula’s son, Chris, became a pilot with American Airlines, and she was overjoyed when he married Sarah in 2017. Not long after, Paula’s dream of becoming a grandmother was realized with the birth of her first grandchild, Calvin, followed by her second grandchild, Anna. Being a Nana brought her immense happiness, and she cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren.
Paula was happiest when surrounded by her loved ones—her two children, Chris and Maria, and her grandchildren. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, like taking morning walks at the local park with the family dogs, Sierra, Delta and Raven, and capturing the beauty of sunrises in photos. Her love for the ocean was evident in the vacations she spent near the coast, where she felt most at peace.
Known for her selflessness, her sense of humor, her compassionate nature, and her adventurous spirit, Paula leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness. She was a devoted mother, a proud grandmother, a loyal sister, and a cherished friend.
Paula is survived by her sister, Elaine; her son, Chris and daughter-in-law Sarah; her daughter, Maria; and her beloved grandchildren, Calvin and Anna. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Paula’s warmth, laughter, and love will remain in the hearts of her family and friends forever.
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