Natalie Phyllis Broughton

Born on_ Dec. 29,1919 in Milton Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on June 7,

2016 in San Luis Obispo, CA, still beautiful at 96 years old.

Preceded in death in 1981 by her husband of 26 years, Manley J. “Joe” Broughton.

Survived by three children, Cynthia D. Broughton, Alan J. Broughton and Anita Broughton

Henry; 4 grandchildren, Jihan M. Broughton, Sean A. Broughton, Jenna J. Broughton and

3 great grandchildren.

Natalie lived her life with an open door and an open heart. All were welcome in her home

and people of all ages from many cultures and backgrounds lived under her roof for a

time as they made their way through a challenging place on life’s path. Schoolmates,

relatives, friends, friends of friends, foster kids, immigrants, travelers, co-workers,

employees, students, animals, other people’s animals...you name it, she took them in! And

I think every single one watched “Wheel of Fortune!” with her.

Natalie was a problem-solver and always thought about what she could do to help

someone else achieve their goals. Even though she faced lifelong challenges of mobility

limitations and chronic pain, she never gave up and was known for her quick laugh,

positive attitude, sharp wit and stamina. She loved people, animals, reading, music,

gardens, beautiful views, car rides, conversation, hugs, kisses and a good gin & tonic. She

always said (with a twinkle in her eye), “I’d rather die living than live dying!”

By design and accident, Natalie lived a life of firsts. She was in the first graduating class

of the women’s branch of the U.S. Navy, known as the W.A.V.E.S. (Women Accepted For

Volunteer Emergency Service). She joined on her 23rd birthday in 1942 in order to help

the war effort and was honorably discharged May 15, 1945 at the rank of Specialist (X) 2c.

She broke down gender barriers in the workplace through her early work in the

engineering field, including as a map maker and an aviation metalsmith. She was one of

the first females hired in the drafting dept. of the New England Telephone and Telegraph

Company. She also helped pioneer modern-day joint-replacement surgery when she

received one of the earliest of the “modern” style of hip prosthetics.

Natalie was a fierce advocate. She consistently fought for equal opportunities and access

for people with disabilities or disadvantages of all kinds.

Born and raised in Massachusetts, she attended High School in Milton, MA, and later

received her B.S. in Education from Boston University, specializing in special education. In

1959 she moved to Spring Valley California with her husband Joe and 3 young children.

Joe and “Nat” raised their family in the San Diego area before they all relocated to San

Luis Obispo, CA (SLO) in 1973. Natalie valued education and thought everyone could

learn, given the right support. Throughout her life, she helped special needs kids get the

support and services they needed to do their best. She taught reading and speech in La

Mesa CA, and volunteered at “The Literacy Center” in SLO to tutor adults speaking

English as a second language. In 1981, along with her daughter Cindy, she opened one of

the first pre-schools in Baywood Park, CA, the “Goose and Gander.” Natalie lived out her

retirement in close proximity to her daughters, enjoying good company and a good joke

right up to the very end.

‘Funny’, ‘feisty‘, ‘friendly’, ‘flirty’, ‘quick witted’, ‘resilient’, ‘persistent’, ‘positive’; Natalie

is loved and remembered fondly by many, young and old..