Natalie Joyce Hellenga

1931 - 2023

On the evening of Feb. 9, 2023, at 11:10 p.m., Natalie Joyce Hellenga passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family. Natalie was 92 years old.

Natalie was born in Plymouth, Indiana, and later moved to Michigan City, Indiana, after graduating from DePauw University with a teaching degree. She spent two years teaching elementary school before meeting her future husband and starting a family.

She spent many summers at the beach with her three daughters. She was also a long-time member of Long Beach Country Club, where she loved golfing with both her friends and family. She enjoyed traveling in both Europe and Asia, but especially loved fishing in the Keys.

Over the years, Natalie dedicated herself to community involvement in many settings. She was involved in multiple service organizations, including PEO, Tri Kappa and Service League; she touched many lives during her years as the NW Director of the American Cancer Society. She also enjoyed working alongside her dad at Enyeart Chevrolet.

Natalie and her husband, Ted, loved music and took joy in singing with family and choirs. She also was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she participated in the "Messiah" for many years.

Natalie was known for her energetic personality and generous spirit. She blessed everyone that knew her with joy and love.

Natalie (Enyeart) Hellenga was born to Beryl and Gareld Enyeart on Jan. 31, 1931, in Plymouth, Indiana. She was eldest of five children. On June 12, 1954, in Michigan City, Indiana, she married Theodore E. Hellenga.

She is survived by her sisters, Marcia Stedron and Linda Kaump; and her brother, Charles Enyeart. Also surviving are her daughters, Sheree L. Hellenga and Jodi L. Hellenga of Michigan City, Indiana, and Heidi (Terry) Smith of Ringgold, Georgia; granddaughters, April (Jason) Irvin of Tennessee, Kramer (Averie) Smith of Georgia and Casey Smith (Shaun Bates) of Georgia; and great-grandchildren, Gabriel Irvin, Riley Belk and Sylvie Smith-Bates.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Beryl and Gareld Enyeart; her brother, Jerry Enyeart; and her husband, Theodore Hellenga.

Memorials in Natalie's memory may be made to P.E.O. Chapter BA, 4 Devonshire Ct., Apt. 5, Michigan City, IN, 46360; or to Service League of Michigan City, 301 E. Garfield St., Michigan City, IN, 46360.

Natalie generously donated her body to the Anatomical Education Program and the Indiana University School of Medicine. A celebration of life will be held at a future date for family only.

The Hellenga daughters would like to give special thanks to Dunes Hospice for the help, caring and support they provided.