Paula Elizabeth Purdy of Gainesville, FL, was born April 2, 1958, in Pullman, Washington, to Hank and Barbara Purdy. Paula passed away on July 7, 2023, from complications of myotonic dystrophy. After graduating from Gainesville High School, Paula attended the University of Florida and the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where she received her bachelor's degree in English. She then obtained her RN degree in St. Paul, Minnesota, working for many years in various medical facilities as a nurse and floor supervisor in Minnesota and Florida.A large, loving family survives Paula: devoted husband Kevin Kramer; son Karl Smith (Crystal); daughter Rachel Smith; stepson Eric Kramer; mother Barbara A. Purdy; sister Cynthia Bertelsen (Mike); grandchildren Morgan, William, Lillian, and James Smith; nephews Erik Bertelsen (Amanda) and Alex Purdy (Anthony); niece Crystal Purdy-Newland (Ian); great-nephews Lukas and Llewellyn Bertelsen; and sisters-in-law Keiko Purdy and Isabell Purdy; and Julius, Paula's Chihuahua.Paula was predeceased by her father Laurence Henry Purdy and her brothers Jeff and Tim Purdy.Paula loved to laugh. There wasn't a movie she hadn't seen or a funny story from the past that she ever forgot. She will be missed terribly.A private memorial service is planned. The family invites donations in Paula's memory to the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (https://www.myotonic.org/donate-towards-myotonic-dystrophy-care-and-cure). Funeral Home Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Avenue Gainsville FL - 32609 US 352-378-2528