Dorothy Edna Natale

Dorothy Natale, resident of Bluffton, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2018 at 101 years old.

She was born on September 10, 1917 in NYC with the most beautiful blue eyes, along with her three sisters, where she was raised and lived most of her life. She was married in 1939 and became a devoted wife and mother to her husband, Vincent Natale, a veteran, and her two daughters, Lena and Ellen. Throughout her years, Dorothy was a pillar of strength helping to run a family owned restaurant, sacrificing greatly to send her daughters to private Catholic high school, and raised a family and dog in a one bedroom 3rd floor apartment in the Bronx. She lived in this walk up for 69 years, which is partially where she got her physical stamina making 86 steps each way almost daily.

In her later years, she worked outside of the home at Krums Corner Bakery, a stationary and sweets store, becoming like family to the employees and owners who couldn’t help but love her, her work ethic, sense of humor and kindness. It was there that her beautiful friendship began with Michael, a coworker who became like a son and, although miles apart, were still in contact her entire life. Michael never forgot a holiday or birthday and this touched her heart every time. She had a close group of the best of female friends she outlived in NYC, affectionately called “The Girls,” who called her Dottie, played cards weekly, and traveled on vacation together, bringing a storm of laughter and fun wherever they went.

A grandmother to four, great-grandmother to five, a great aunt and great-great aunt to nieces and nephews, she loved spending time with her family and grandchildren, reading to them, playing games, sharing stories, teaching them to say the rosary with her, loving them and making them laugh. She knit blankets for her family and Nana also loved to cook, dance, whistle, sing and gave the best back scratches ever. She loved her old movies, music, including Jose Carreras and Dean Martin, and enjoyed her Manhattans on holidays.

At the age of 90, she relocated to Bluffton to be close to her daughter, Lee, husband Bill, and eventually her daughter, Ellen. She enjoyed a fulfilling life, living quite independently at Bloom at Belfair retirement. There, Miss Dorothy, as she was affectionately called, formed new close friendships and held the title of the oldest resident and Wii bowling champion. Dorothy celebrated many birthdays at Bloom and attended parties held in her honor with her friends. She was a very devout Catholic and said her rosary every day. She was also very appreciative for the care she received from Dr. Jack Frost, who helped her live vivaciously as she continued to participate in her love of card games and Rummy Q. She loved children and would knit little newborn hats for babies in the hospital. Miss Dorothy was also an avid Yankees fan, who loved her Jeeter and could be heard yelling at the TV when they were playing, even through last season.

She will be sadly missed but her memory will remain forever in the hearts of her daughter, Lee Pillittiere and husband Bill McGovern; granddaughters, Lori Pillittiere, Nicole D’Andrea and husband, Peter; grandsons, Richard, Christopher and Reagan Adrian. Her five great granddaughters, Fallon, Olivia, Sophia, Morgan, and Payton; her sister, Vivian Rubinstein and many more loving nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, Vincent and daughter, Ellen Adrian.

She will be laid to rest with her husband in Shrubb Oaks, New York. A mass in celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 11:00 am at St. Catherine of Sienna Church, 31 Asbury Road, Farmingdale, NJ 07727.

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