Paula Garnica

5/1/1942 - 9/2/2025

Mystic - Paula (Shleffar) Garnica, 83, passed away peacefully Sept. 2, 2025 in Mystic.

Born May 1, 1942, in Norwich, to James and Mary (Berkman) Shleffar, Paula grew up in Norwich and graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 1960. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in art history from Connecticut College in 1964.

Paula was married to Luis Garnica and lived in Mexico City for 12 years. She is survived by her daughters, Emily (Kris) Aungst and Jennifer (Darren) Shill; her beloved grandchildren, Scarlett, Beatriz and Vivian; and her step-grandchildren Kameron, Hannah and Logan. She also leaves behind her sisters, Frances Shleffar and Susan Lasch.

Paula had a lifelong love of art. She delighted in visiting museums, sharing her passion with others, and creating her own works. After college, she moved to New York City, where she worked in the Original Prints department of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, while also taking courses at the Institute of Fine Arts. Paula's own paintings - primarily oils on canvas - were distinguished by vibrant cityscapes and expressive use of color and mood. Her family cherishes her artwork, which remains a living testament to her creativity.

In 1988, Paula returned to Norwich and four years later, began a career as a support educator in the Norwich Public School system. She worked at Huntington, Buckingham, and Moriarty Elementary Schools until her retirement in 2018.

Beyond her professional and artistic pursuits, Paula loved trivia games, historical fiction, and traveling with her family. She especially enjoyed cruises and visited many unique destinations in the Caribbean and Europe. She was a member of Temple Emanu-El in Waterford and an active participant in programs at the Rose City Senior Center in Norwich. In her later years at Academy Point in Mystic, Paula took great pleasure in the daily crossword, musical programs, art classes and bingo.

Paula will be remembered for her creativity, her engagement in various communities, and her devotion to family.

The graveside ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at the Norwich Hebrew Benevolent Cemetery #3, 62 Middle Road, Preston.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in the memory of Paula Garnica to Temple Emanu-El in Waterford, CT or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to the attention of: Killeen Marzella, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Office of Development, PO Box 27106, New York, NY 10087.