Natalie Marie (Erickson) GILLESPIE

GILLESPIE, NESS, GILLESPIE-NESS, ERICKSON, PETERSON

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:49

Natalie Marie Gillespie
January 6, 1931 ---- March 29, 2019

Natalie Gillespie, 88, died March 29, 2019 at St. Anthony Hospital, Lakewood, Colorado after a short illness. Prior to her death, she lived at Elk Run Assisted Living in Evergreen, Colorado, and Pine, Colorado with her daughter and much loved grandson. Her memorial service will be held this Saturday, April 6, 2019 at Risen Lord Lutheran Church, Conifer Colorado at 5:00 p.m. Interment will be at Bear Creek Lutheran Cemetery in Grand Meadow, Minnesota.

Natalie “Nat” was born on January 6, 1931 in a farmhouse outside of Belmond, Iowa. The story she loved to tell is that she was born during a snowstorm and the doctor “had to stay all night”. She traveled to Fairbanks, Alaska as a young woman with a dear friend, married an Air Force Staff Sergeant there, and had two children she loved dearly. She worked for the University of Colorado – Transportation Center until she retired. After retirement Nat was heavily involved in the local community by volunteering weekly at Marshdale Elementary, in Evergreen, Colorado until she was 84 years old. All the kids called her “Abbe”. She made over 1000 stocking caps that were given to the Denver homeless shelters where many would request “Natalie beanies, because they are so warm”. She also made what she called crazy quilts for kids with cancer, and then through her church, Warm Hearts, Warm Babies. In her spare time she enjoyed reading, painting, knitting slippers and being with her family and friends.

Her family paid this tribute to her: Our beloved Mom and Abbe gave her time and love without conditions or judgment. No matter what~ she was always there to listen, give support, or a hug. We will miss her every day.

She is survived by her daughter, Donyce Gillespie-Ness of Pine, Colorado, grandson Mark Ness of Pine, Colorado, daughter-in-law Karen Gillespie, grandson, Travis Gillespie. She is preceded in death by her son, Mark Gillespie. Natalie is lovingly remembered by her sister, nieces, cousins, great nieces and nephews, and many friends who were like family to her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Natalie’s church, Risen Lord Lutheran Church, PO Box 90, Conifer, Colorado.

http://evergreenmemorialpark.com/obituaries/natalie-marie-gillespie/

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[daughter of Bert Erickson and Beatrice Peterson]