...active at the Tewksbury Congregational Church; 92
TEWKSBURY - Natalie Smith Thistle, died September 30, 2013, just three days shy of her 93rd birthday. Natalie was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, daughter of the late Charles and Clara (Woodman) Smith. She earned a B.S. in Education from Salem State College in 1943, graduating first in her class. After her marriage to Everett G. Thistle in the fall of 1944, Natalie taught elementary school in Middleton. In 1948, she and Everett moved to Tewksbury, the town which became their home for over half-a-century. While Everett worked as a teacher, Principal, and Superintendent of Tewksbury Schools, and later, the Deputy Director of Operation for the Massachusetts Department of Education, Natalie invested her time and energy in raising their three children.
Everett and Natalie together found great joy in worshipping with and serving through the community of Tewksbury Congregational Church. In addition to Natalie's steady presence at worship, she served on the Board of Deacons, was the Church Clerk and enjoyed the activities of the Friendly Guild. Natalie shared her creative gifts by singing in the choir, leading the children's choir, writing poems for church celebrations and creating handmade items for the annual Church Fair. More than church activities, Natalie treasured her church centered friendships with fellow worshipers, young and old.
Natalie was predeceased by her beloved husband of 57 years, Everett, and her older brother, Albert. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Drs. David and Anne (Burnham) Thistle of Tallahassee, FL; two daughters and a son-in-law, Janet and John “Jack” Fox of Houston, TX, and Ms. Martha J. Thistle of Tewksbury, with whom Mrs. Thistle resided; two grandchildren, Jeffery Fox and his wife Zoë McCoy, and Julia Fox, all of TX; a brother and sister-in-law, Clayton and Jean Smith of Salem, MA; a sister, Louise Turpel of Ocean Springs, MS; and several nieces and nephews.
A Service of Praise to God and Celebration of Natalie's life was held Friday, October 4, at the Tewksbury Congregational Church, Tewksbury Center.
Donations may be made to Tewksbury Congregational Church, 10 East St., Tewksbury, MA 01876, and will be appreciated.