Natalie (Walters) Nelson

Jan. 1, 1913 - Nov. 3, 2009
MISHAWAKA - Natalie E. Nelson, 96, a resident of Tanglewood Trace Retirement Community, formerly of Sunnymede Avenue in South Bend, died on November 3, 2009, at Hospice of Cincinnati, Ohio, of complications from a fall. Natalie (Walters) Nelson was born on January 1, 1913, in Chrisney, Indiana, a small town in the southern part of the state. Her parents were Dr. L. O. Walters and Edna Taylor Walters. Natalie attended the Western College for Women in Oxford, Ohio, for two years. She transferred to DePauw University and graduated from there in 1934 with majors in Latin and French.

She taught at Riley High School until her marriage in 1942 to J. Gordon Nelson, also an educator who later became the first principal of LaSalle High School.

They were married for forty-five years at the time of Gordon's death in 1987. Natalie was a member of River Park United Methodist Church for many years and participated in various aspects of church life, including the Sunday school where she taught and served for several years as superintendent of the junior department. Natalie was also an active member of the Association of University Women, the Pan Hellenic Society, and of Tri Delta, her college sorority. She and her husband were involved in various service projects through the church and in the community, including volunteer work with the Center for the Homeless in South Bend. Natalie's educational pursuits continued throughout her lifetime, with attendance for many years at Indiana University's mini-university and taking classes at Forever Learning in South Bend. She also loved to travel, taking trips to all parts of the country. She especially loved Lake Michigan.

Survivors include Natalie's two sons, John Eric (Brenda) Nelson of Gulf Breeze, Florida; Stephen (Connie) Nelson of Granger; her daughter, Brenda (Ronald McHenry) Dunlap of Pleasant Plain, Ohio; grandchildren, Stephanie (Chris) Scalise, Brett (Kate) Nelson, and Samuel Dunlap; and great-grandchildren, Jack and Brady Scalise.

A memorial service celebrating Natalie's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 23rd, at the River Park United Methodist Church, 920 S. 23rd St., South Bend. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service in the church. Cremation has taken place according to her wishes. Memorial contributions may be made to the River Park United Methodist Church, 920 S. 23rd St., South Bend, IN 46615 or to The Center for the Homeless, 813 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46601.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Nov. 20, 2009.

07/17/2023 EJS

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/southbendtribune/name/natalie-nelson-obituary?id=14274995