GLOUCESTER: Isabel A. Natti, 65, artist and activist, died Monday December 12, 2011 at her home in Rockport surrounded by her family and friends.
Born in Gloucester on April 17, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Ilmari M. and Pauline (Manship) Natti. She was a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science, New York City College and the University of California at Berkley.
Earlier in her life, Isabel spent some time living in a teepee in the woods. She was teacher of non-violent protest and was always fighting for human rights, nature and the environment. She was a founding member of the Clamshell Alliance and an active member of the Rockport Conservation Commission for many years.
Isabel owned and operated the Sarah-Elizabeth shop in Rockport. A renowned block print artist, she was the only person to maintain the tradition of the Folly Cove Designers.
A lifelong learner, she engrossed herself in many subjects. While in Rome, as a student of the Cosmatesque marble mosaic style, Isabel was so adept in her skills and knowledge that she was able to critique books written on the topic. She also co-illustrated a book on local marine life, “The Sea is All Around Us” with UMass and Peabody Museum naturalists.
Her love of mother earth, life, art, learning and teaching was contagious to all she came in contact with. She will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her son, Nathaniel Tuck and his father, John Tuck; her former spouse and longtime companion, Italo Cannone; her brother, Erik, husband of Theresa Natti, their children, Matthew, husband of Janet Natti, Diana, wife of Gregory Theriault, Sirkka Natti and Elias Natti; a grandniece, Hannah and two grandnephews, Mason and Oliver and many members of her close extended family. She also leaves many dear friends including, Jeanine Burns and her husband, John Doberman, who did so much to care for her in her final days, as well as many others, too numerous to name.
A celebration of Isabel’s life will be held on Sunday December 18th in the Lanesville Community Center, 8 Vulcan Street, Gloucester at 1 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. There are no visiting hours. Arrangements are under the direction of the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to a local charity of one’s choice.