Obituary of Natalie (Russell) Findlay

Natalie Findlay (Russell) passed away peacefully March 2, 2020. She was born April 6th, 1931 in Glens Falls, NY to Bloomfield and Estelle (Dearstyne) Russell. She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving sister Patsy Burgin and her beloved husband of 45 years, Robert. Growing up in Glens Falls, Natalie was an avid swimmer, loved any chance to get up to Lake George, was a Gold Star Girl Scout and loved to sing at her church. She graduated from the University of Rochester with a BA in Fine Arts in 1953. It was there she met her future husband. They married immediately after college. Natalie was a dedicated volunteer and was part of the TWIG group in Rochester, the P.E.O. sisterhood and local Garden Clubs. After several relocations for work, they settled in Hollis, NH in 1973 where she and her husband were serious gardeners, selling their produce to local businesses. Additionally, Natalie was a member of the Historical Society for Early American Decoration where she did stenciling, tole and theorem painting and was the Secretary of her local chapter for years. She was known for her artistic eye, keen decorating skills and flower arranging. In the early 1980’s, at an age when most people have one eye on retirement, Natalie bought a book and Hallmark store. She successfully owned and ran Downtown Books, Etc. in Nashua for years until retiring at age 65. She loved that store and all the friends she made there. In 1999, when her husband died, Natalie moved from New Hampshire to Pittsford, NY to be closer to her daughter. Natalie is survived by her daughter Stephanie (Geoff) Jones, her son Russell (Sara) Findlay and her beloved grandchildren: Andrew, Brendan and Max Jones and Connor, Adam and Emma Findlay. She is also survived by her dear niece and namesake, Natalie and her husband Gordie Daniels as well as several other nieces, nephews and cousins. Calling hours will be at Willard H. Scott Funeral Home 12 South Avenue, Webster, NY, on Friday, March 13 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. A memorial service will be held at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church at 11am on March 14 followed by a reception in the church’s great hall. Memorial gifts/donations can be made to St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, 2000 Highland Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618 for outreach.