Natalie Anne Norton

Natalie Anne Norton, 60, died peacefully February 2, 2022, in Providence, RI with family by her side. Natalie was lovingly surrounded by her family, partner, and friends during the past two and a half years as she lived with grace, humor, strength, tenacity and style in the face of brain cancer.

Natalie was a beautiful person, beloved partner, cherished daughter, loved and admired sister, loyal friend and respected colleague.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on February 28, 1961 to Robert and Catherine Norton, she went on to live in Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island. At the young age of 14, Natalie joined the YMCA gymnastics team and taught children's gymnastics. Early on in life Natalie showed her joyful spirit and enthusiasm for helping others which became a lifetime trait and compass for all she did.

After graduating from Springfield College, with her father's role modeling and encouragement, Natalie began her illustrious 39-year career with the YMCA. Natalie held many positions at numerous YMCAs in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and at the National level. In every job, she instilled in hundreds who worked with and for her, the will to be their best selves. Whether it was building a YMCA, flying a spinnaker, creating organization out of chaos, laying a fabulous spread for her friends or laughing with her partner-Natalie inspired us all to be better people, and thus she created a better world. She genuinely lived what Gandhi said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world". In all of her many roles no matter how busy she was, Natalie made time to listen - to help with a problem, to share a joy or to provide guidance.

Natalie is survived by her mother Catherine Norton, her partner Michael Bell, her siblings Robert Norton Jr., Mark Norton, Sean Norton, Caith Norton, Derek Norton, her sisters-in-law Fiona Norton and Caroline Norton, her two nieces and five nephews.

Natalie genuinely changed the lives of countless people with love, kindness, leadership, and a vivaciousness that was truly infectious! Go forward and honor her by doing the same.

A 'Celebration of Life' will be held in June in Maine.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Natalie and her passionate dedication to the YMCA, donations may be made to 'The Natalie Norton Scholarship Fund' at Springfield College.  Please see the donation section below for the details. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Natalie Anne Norton, please visit our floral store.