Natalie B. Barlow

Natalie Bigelow Barlow, age 100, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024, at Whitney Place in Natick, Massachusetts. Natalie was the adopted daughter of Mary and George Bigelow of West Newton and the natural born daughter of Mildred Leavitt Augustine and John Augustine of Brockton.

Natalie is survived by her daughter Mary Barlow Mueller and her husband Mark of Riverside, Rhode Island, her daughter Gayle Barlow Atkinson of Novato, California, and her son Stephen Bigelow Barlow and his wife Sally, of Weston, Massachusetts. Natalie was predeceased by her son, Douglas McLeod Barlow, her husband, Norman McLeod Barlow, her son-in-law, Kenneth Atkinson, and her son-in-law Gregory Hughes.

Natalie is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: her granddaughters Lydia Barlow Faiia and her husband Ravi, of Concord, Massachusetts, Perry Barlow Lane and her husband Jesse of Wellesley, Massachusetts, Noel Barlow Goggins and her husband Trey of Sudbury, Massachusetts, grandsons Shayne Hughes and his wife Lara of San Rafael, California, Douglas Atkinson and his wife Vanessa of Novato, California; and Rob Mueller of Brunswick, Maine and his wife Jenny. She was predeceased by her grandson Matthew Mueller. She is also survived by fourteen precious great grandchildren and her nieces Elizabeth Waring of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts and Darlene Parsons of Middleborough, Massachusetts. She was predeceased by her brother Royal Augustine and sisters Marjorie Augustine Soderholm and Dorothy Augustine Thompson.

Natalie was a graduate of Newton High School and Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut where she earned her B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education. This is where she met her beloved husband Norman, who served as a Lieutenant during World War II in the Atlantic and Pacific theatres of the war. They made their first home in Natick, Massachusetts and after her children were of school age, Natalie earned her Master’s Degree in Childhood Education at Wheelock College in Boston. She began her career as a Pre-School Teacher at Lab School at Wellesley College and subsequently became the Educational Supervisor of one of the first kindergarten projects in Massachusetts established under Title III, working with Harvard University’s Department of Education and educational consultants throughout Massachusetts. She then went on to be the Education Director for South Shore Day Care Services where she supervised all aspects of their six centers.

Natalie and Norman made their second home for many years in Sherborn, where they were faithful members of the Pilgrim Congregational Church. Natalie lived for 25 years after the loss of her husband in 1999 and did a masterful job of keeping herself engaged and involved with her church, Walnut Hill School, volunteer activities, book group, Bible study, quilting, watercolor painting, tennis and bridge.

Most important to Natalie and Norman, to whom she was married for 55 years, were the well-being and happiness of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She called her family members “gifts of gold.” Natalie was the safe harbor, trusted confidante and best friend for many members of her family. She brought her understanding heart to all who confided in her, and is greatly missed by her family.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Whitney Place for their extraordinary support and care.

In lieu of flowers, it was Natalie’s wish that you make a contribution to your favorite charity.

A Celebration of Natalie's life will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM in the Pilgrim Church, 25 S Main St., Sherborn, Massachusetts.