Marilyn Naturale lived a full life for over nine decades. She was born on September 25, 1930, to Margaret and Frederick Kathmann in the “Big Apple” …New York City. She was one of five children. Marilyn attended a clerical business school and landed a job at the telephone company in NYC. As a young woman, she had a passion for clothes and loved to shop. So, she took an additional job at the iconic Alexander’s Department Store working nights. Even with working two jobs, Marilyn made time for her close-knit friends. She cherished her friends so much that she kept in touch with them throughout the years.
She met Vincent Naturale, the love of her life. They were married in 1953 in Manhattan, New York. The couple welcomed their first child, Theresa in 1954 followed by Vincent in 1956 and Christine in 1962. Having a mother like Marilyn was like winning the lottery, she loved us with all her heart. She taught us early in life to pay attention to detail no matter what the task, the importance of family, and to embrace the Lord and our Faith. She truly had a gift to make us all feel so special.
Marilyn lived in Saint Augustine, Florida until she was ninety years old. She was a member of Saint Anastasia Catholic Church and practiced her faith even when unable to attend church. She contributed to numerous charities and participated in charitable events with friends. She loved flowers and had a natural gift of caring for them. Marilyn kept poinsettias alive way passed the Christmas season. She had amazing culinary skills and prepared many delicious meals for her family. She kept her home so clean that we all would comment that we could eat off her floor. She could fold laundry like she owned a dry cleaner. The clothing would look as if it were brand new. Marilyn enjoyed walking on the beach with her friends and water aerobics in the pool at Atlantic East. She loved to laugh and have fun.
Marilyn provided her family support whenever necessary and many of us experienced that gift. She was an amazing mother, a fun-loving grandmother, a wonderful great grandmother, and a loving aunt to several nieces and nephews. We will miss her smile, her energy, her fun-loving way, and best of all, the unconditional love that she gave to us all.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Frederick Kathmann; her husband, Vincent Naturale; her mother-in-law, Theresa Naturale; her brother-in-law, Anthony Naturale; her sister, Peggy Hyde and husband Davis Hyde; her brother, James McNulty; her nephew, Emmett Hyde; her sister-in-law, Ann McNulty; her childhood friend/sister, Gertrude Donoghue; and her niece, MaryAnn McGovern.
She is survived by her brother, Walter McNulty; her daughter, Theresa Busch; her son, Vincent Naturale; her daughter, Christine Gaddy and son-in-law, Chris Gaddy; grandchildren, Anthony Naturale and wife Jenn Naturale, Eric Naturale, Victoria Naturale, Ali Sotolongo and husband Steven Sotolongo, Maxwell Gaddy and Jenna Gaddy; great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and close family friends.
A memorial service will be held at St. John Paul II Catholic Church on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM, to honor and reflect on the extraordinary life of Marilyn Elizabeth Naturale. Loved ones and friends are welcome to come together to honor and reflect on special memories.
