Natalie Jon Gutowski

Natalie Jon Gutowski passed away surrounded by the love of family on December 27, 2023, at the age of 39. Born on May 28, 1984, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to devoted parents David and Jacqueline Gutowski, Natalie grew up in Pittsburgh with her three younger siblings, many relatives, and family friends.

The family moved to Tampa, Florida in 1997 where Natalie graduated from Tampa Catholic High School (class of 2002). She received an Associate in Arts from Hillsborough Community College and attended the University of South Florida with a focus on teaching.

Natalie was an involved, active member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Tampa, Florida, and was an integral member of the church community. Through various roles and responsibilities, she not only served but embodied the principles of love, compassion, and charity. Natalie actively participated in numerous ministries at St. Paul’s, including the Council of Catholic Women, Padre Pio Prayer Group, Faith Formation Prayer Group, ALPHA, and Bible Study. She was a member of the Pastoral Council, a tech minister, a front desk minister, and a lector at the church as well. Natalie was devoted to her Catholic faith, and up to her final moments found peace and fortitude in prayer.

Natalie was an avid reader; she enjoyed listening to music, singing happily along to her favorite Christian songs, and playing the piano. However, it was her relationships with others that brought her so much fulfillment. Whether standing video calls with family, friends, or the sweet children she doted upon, Natalie loved long talks and was the most patient and attentive listener to countless stories.

Throughout the many battles Natalie faced with her health from childhood through adulthood, Natalie was an endless source of positivity and strength. She met everyone with an infectious smile, abounding kindness, and a selfless heart. Even in her final moments, she continued to bring loved ones together with joy and laughter; Natalie loved to be surrounded by the same happiness she continuously radiated in tough times.

Natalie is survived by her father David Gutowski, mother Jackie Springer Gutowski, brother Michael, sister Andrea, and brother Benjamin and his wife Meg Gutowski. Natalie will be deeply missed by godmother and paternal Aunt Karina Flood, cherished family friend Karen Cullinane, numerous relatives, friends of the family, and extensive members of the church community.

Natalie is preceded in death by her grandparents John Zenon Gutowski and Irene Gutowski-Kvatsak, and Alexander Springer and Lilian Springer.

Visitation was held in Tampa, Florida, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Paul Catholic Church. Natalie was brought back to Ambridge, Pennsylvania where a private funeral service was held in the SS Peter & Paul Chapel, and private internment took place in Economy Cemetery, alongside loving departed relatives in the peaceful rest of western Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Paul Catholic Preschool (www.stpaulchurch.com/preschool) or the Salesian Sisters (Attention: Sr. Margaret Wilhelm, 655 Belmont Ave., Haledon, NJ 07508).

A living angel to all those who knew her, Natalie will continue to bring warmth and inspiration to those whose lives she touched. Her family is comforted knowing Natalie now rests free from pain and her spirit will forever smile upon us.