Natalie Ann Winters

When you were with Natalie Winters, you were going to be busy, eat well, laugh, and have fun. A boat ride and live underwater mermaids, gambling and a show in Las Vegas, a trip to Disney World or just to a Japanese steak house. Natalie lived to entertain and be entertained.

The sixth of seven children, Natalie was born and raised in Somerville, Massachusetts, where she lived with her parents, Walter and Isabel Willwerth, five brothers, and her sister, Sarah. She served God as a nursing nun with The Little Sisters of the Poor for over 20 years, then decided to do it her way by managing nursing homes in Clinton, MD and other locales. In between, Natalie served as an overnight nursing supervisor at (the former) D.C. General Hospital. Her time there coincided with the beginning of the PCP and crack cocaine epidemics, yet she was undaunted.

Natalie loved her family. She attended all the important events she could, she kept in touch, and she provided fun to all who came to visit. Natalie would drop in on her nieces and nephew in D.C. first thing in the morning, after she finished her nursing shift, usually with a pound of gumdrops or stuffed animals large enough to claim as dependents. Knowing Natalie was knowing you were loved.

Natalie thrived on travel. She was an active member of many clubs and professional organizations including the Business and Professional Women's Club. She went on several junkets, notably to Hawaii, where she bragged about being in bed with Don Ho, a famous night club singer of old. Naturally, she and her group were invited to his hotel suite after a show they attended. He definitely saw her spark. Natalie was also one of the first people to learn about the nuclear accident at Chernobyl. She and her group were there waiting to visit a hospital in the same town. She always said she had a special glow after that trip.

Natalie loved to sing and had an exquisite soprano voice. She was a valued member of The Sweet Adelines, and though they traveled closer to home, they gave performances that offered something for everyone. She also played the organ at her church and for her friends, wherever she lived.

When Natalie saw her beloved sister remarry after being widowed at 70, Natalie declared that if Sarah could have two husbands, she should be able to have at least one. Her friends hand-picked her soon-to-be sweetheart, Robert Winters. They found that they were made for each other, got married when Natalie was 60, and never looked back.

Bob was her partner in crime. They traveled, including a cruise around the world that provided them with many happy memories. When they moved to Florida, they bought a house and a boat, and found all the best restaurants in Tarpon Springs. They were the most curious people you could imagine.

Natalie lived to the impressive age of 94. Her devoted carer, Linda Jordan, probably kept her going longer than anyone thought possible. A visit from two special nieces at a particularly low point had Natalie singing along and laughing, always up for a party.

Natalie is survived by her beloved Bob's children Lou Ann Gural (and husband Pete), Chris Winters, and Rob Winters (and wife Pam). She is also survived by her sister's daughter, Martha Donovan (and husband Richard Williams), great-nieces Madeline Williams and Melanie Williams, and great-nephew Luke Williams, as well as many more nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, grandchildren, and countless other family and friends and neighbors who will miss her.
She will be buried next to Bob in Arlington National Cemetery on April 2, 2026. Contact family for information.