Natalie Zall

Natalie Zall passed from this life on February 6, after bravely fighting a long illness. She died in Jackson Memorial hospital in Miami, Florida, a week before her 67th birthday. Natalie was a beautiful person who radiated light and happiness to everyone she met. She had many friends and as a teacher inspired many young students. Natalie was born in Nashville, Tennesee, on February 12, 1947. She and her brother Michael grew up in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Hollywood, Florida. In 1969, Natalie graduated from the University of Florida. In the early 1970's Natalie came to Calfornia. She first lived in Glendale and later moved to northern California. In 1985 she began her teaching career with Eureka City Schools. Natalie taught at Washington, Worthington and Lincoln schools. She worked with young students in second and third grade. Natalie was married briefly to Stephen Grimme in the early 90's and some of her students knew her as "Mrs. Grimme". Natalie's strong background in science and math combined with her love of the natural world made her an excellent teacher. Natalie instructed both students and teachers in the Redwood Area Math Program (RAMP) in the early 1990's. She was an organizer of the Redwood Environmental Education Fair (REEF) as well. Natalie also worked to develop and field test science curriculum for second grade students. Natalie retired from Eureka City Schools in 2002 and moved onto her property in Honeydew. She became very involved in the community and began substitute teaching at the Honeydew and Mattole Elementary schools and at Mattole Triple Junction High School. She also taught for the Honeydew Independent Study program. Natalie later became a member of the Mattole Uniifed School District's Board of Trustees. Natalie was adventurous and loved people, music, good food, and life. She loved travel and toured many places in her lifetime including southeast Asia, Peru and Hawaii. In spring of 2012, Natalie moved to Arcata, where she actively enjoyed the last years of her life. Natalie returned to Florida for her final days where she was supported by family members, her brother Michael Zall, his wife Karen, and her nieces Rachel and Dalia. A memorial is being held for Natalie on Sunday, February 23 on Hollywood Beach in South Florida. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com and click on obituaries.