Natalie Becker

Natalie's Brother, Larry, remembers that his sister honored her father and stepmother, and she was a very caring individual. He recalls one particular event that has always touched his heart. When Natalie's stepmother took ill with uncontrollable shaking in various parts of her body, Natalie felt it was necessary to obtain a second medical opinion. At the time, she was employed by Walter Reed Army Medical Center and was determined to have her stepmother admitted to the world renowned army medical facility. She knew Walter Reed Hospital was dedicated to military service personnel and their dependents, but with the gracious help of her superior, a brigadier general, Natalie's stepmother was admitted. Diagnostic tests ultimately revealed a rare blood disorder. Her stepmother was provided with medication which demonstrated a slowing in her physical body movements and at times, the movements appeared to cease. Natalie was pleased with the results. Most importantly, her efforts brought faith and hope to her worried family and the outlook of a more positive future for her stepmother.

Natalie's brother, David has many special memories of his sister. She was older than him by eighteen months. He remembers that her given name was Tillie and how much she disliked it. Her birth name was actually Tonya, But as a Polish immigrant to the United States, Tonya was translated to Tillie. Although Natalie kept saying "not Tillie" it was their Aunt Celia who clearly heard a beautiful name. Not Tillie became Natalie. At that point, David's sister's name would be forever changed to Natalie. He describes Natalie as having been a good sister, caring, devoted, and sincere. In spite of her good qualities, as children, they had their fair share of spats. He remembers the day of their mother's death at home because it was also the day of Natalie's graduation ceremony from public school. Natalie knew her mother was ill and in spite of that, her mother, who was a proficient seamstress and made all of Natalie's clothes, made her a special dress to wear at the graduation ceremony. Their Aunt Celia became Natalie's mentor, and they became very close. David recalls that in later years, he and Natalie became involved with their own families, but they stayed in touch. He will always miss his sister.

Natalie was also very fortunate to have a sister. Betty says "I loved my sister very much." She recalls there was a big difference in their ages, so she always looked up to Natalie. Natalie spent time with her younger sister and didn't mind taking Betty outside to be with her friends. She would take time to console Betty when needed and to give sisterly advice. She'd help Betty with school work, and Betty know she could call Natale whenever she needed to. As Betty got older, Natalie showed her how to dress appropriately and apply make-up. Betty's vacation trips to Florida were exciting because Natalie was there to introduce Betty to all the nicest places to go. First stop was the beach. Betty confides, "I will always remember her and miss her. I will always love her."

In looking back at Natalie's 92 years, she was blessed with family. She is survived by her brothers, Larry and David Goldstein, and her sister, Betty Brandwein. Natalie had four children, Susan Helene Minehan, Sally Harriett Brown, Thomas Bernard Adam, and Barbara Wanda Fierro. She had six grandchildren. Michael Henry Minehan, Carissa Renee Morin, Alan Charles Brown, Howard Brown, Antonio Fierro, and Lisa Charles. Natalie also had five great grandchildren, Dillon Louis Morin, Charles Edward Morin, Braden Wayne Minehan, Avery Brown, and Seth Charles.