After graduating from Reading High School, Natalie attended the Chamberlain School of Retailing in Boston and it was from there that she became one of the first female tellers at the Seaman and Others Bank, now Salem Five. Her intelligence and wit won over any doubters that she was just as capable, and maybe more, than the traditional male or “regular” tellers.
In 1955, Natalie married Calvin E Morgan with whom she shared 57 years of adventure, fun and love. Together they raised two daughters and shared a relationship uncommonly rich. Theirs was a true partnership that survived and flourished. Natalie’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease 9 years ago only reaffirmed the strength of their commitment to each other. Calvin was a tireless and devoted caregiver until the end.
Natalie was a strong and independent woman, who faced life with pragmatic resolve. Her nature was to be a quiet and encouraging force. Many have been unknowingly touched by her generosity. She was unfailingly nonjudgmental and kind, always letting others shine ahead of herself. Nat was a talented musician and artist, but more importantly, she was a gifted creative thinker well ahead of her time and she encouraged others to be the same. Those who knew her well will remember her for her extraordinary wit. She could bring you to your knees with a well timed quip. As her other faculties failed, Nat’s laughter and dry sense of humor stayed with her and for that her family is especially grateful. For those who knew and loved Nat the void that has been created by her passing will never be filled. To say that she was an extraordinary woman falls miserably short of describing the woman that she was.
Over her desk, Natalie kept this quote: In our bodies we have the exact percentage of salt as exists in the ocean. Therefore we have salt in our blood, in our sweat and in our tears. And when we return to the sea to watch it or to sail on it, we are going back from whence we came. JFK. Natalie found her spiritual fulfillment on and at the edge of the sea and that is where she has chosen to be.
Natalie is survived by her husband Cal, her daughters, Tracie Morgan and Nancie Bogart, son-in-law, Bruce Bogart, grandchildren, Amanda MacQuarrie and her husband, Brett, Heather D’Alessio, Nathan D’Alessio, Molly Bogart, Hannah Bogart and great grandchildren, Piper and Elijah D’Alessio.
The family also wishes to extent their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Sedgewood Commons for their extraordinary care, friendship and compassion.
The family will host a Celebration of Life in January. In keeping with Nat’s tradition, the family requests that anyone wishing to do so, make an anonymous donation to a deserving individual, family or charity of their choosing. Arrangements are by Stetson’s Funeral Home, 12 Federal St., Brunswick.
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