Isabella Louise Critzer

Isabella “Lulu” Louise Critzer, 60, of Faber passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025 at her home. Born in Charlottesville, February 11, 1964, she was a daughter of the late William Critzer and Bertha Moore Critzer.

At a young age, Lulu took on the role of taking care of both her parents, especially when they became ill. After her parents' death, she became the matriarch of her family, the boss with all the answers with a little sass. She and her sisters were stuck to the hip and when you saw one, there was bound to be another nearby. The bond they shared was rare, one that would be instilled into generations to come. 

Lulu took on the responsibility of taking care of her nieces and nephews prior to being blessed with children of her own. She was a proud cheerleader of all the children in her family. From sports to school events, she was always in the stands rooting for them all. In recent years, she became the biggest fan of her son's band and was delighted to see her daughter's career take off. She enjoyed watching all of her 'babies' grow up and create their own families and success, constantly asking for updates and checking in with them all. Lulu was a second mom to many, including her nieces, nephews, and many friends. She was only a phone call away.

Indulging into her creativity, she enjoyed gardening, crafting for fairs, making gifts for her family and friends, and helping all her babies with many school projects. Lulu touched the lives of many, not only in her family. She was quick to take the shirt off her back for whoever was in need; all with a smile. In her career, she impacted the lives of many in our community. She was a driver's assistant for special needs students, leaving her mark on many families and extending her love and crafts to all of her students. When Lulu retired, she took on the role of full-time "grummaw", a task she wouldn't have traded for the world. The amount of time granted with Lulu could never affect the genuine love and soul connection she could make with anyone she met. 

She is survived by her son, Aaron Gardea Critzer of Faber; her daughter, Kayla Gardea of North Garden; grandchildren, Isaiah and Ariella; sisters, Mildred Critzer, Mary "BooBoo" Gallarzo-Flores, Nancy "Nanny" Critzer, and Peggy deSibour (Henri); brother, James "Bo" West; nieces and nephews, Nykki Critzer, Katie West, Travis Critzer, Bobby West, Sal Gallarzo-Flores, Kelsey deSibour, Sami Viar (Dallas), Landon Critzer, Harper Critzer, Sadie Critzer, Elias Gallarzo, Owen Critzer, and Sawyer Gallarzo. 

The family will hold a private Celebration of Life at a later date.

The family requests that those wanting to make memorial donations to please send them to Byrum-Parr Funeral Home, P.O. Box 10, Roseland, VA 22967, to help with final expenses, ensuring to notate Isabella's name.