Natalie May Blakely

Natalie Middleton Blakely of Pasadena, CA, formerly of Queenstown, MD passed away peacefully on Monday, October 14, 2002. She was 86. Born October 19, 1915 in Newport , RI, she was the daughter of the late Nathaniel Wilson and Edna Mae Mueller Middleton. In 1936 she earned her RN degree from Massachusetts General Hospital. In 1940 she married Carl Paul Blakely and over the next 30 years they lived all over the United States and France, supporting her husband’s Army career. Natalie had a lifelong passion for sail boating, which she shared with her husband. The couple discovered the Eastern Shore of Maryland while sailing during their honeymoon. Several years later they returned and purchased property on the Wye River off Bennett Point Road. In 1966 they built their dream home “Reverie”on the Wye. The two pursued their love of sailing as often as possible participating in many regattas and sailing events. They were committed to community service and worked tirelessly for many service, charitable and religious organizations throughout their lives. She was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Queenstown, MD and a past member of the Alter Society. She was an avid gardener and was a member of the Queen Anne’s County Garden Club for over thirty years, a volunteer for Red Cross, a member of the Queen Anne’s County Historic Society, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, she was a founding member of the Prospect Bay Country Club and the Kent Island Power Squadron. She was very active in the Maryland Chapter of the Retired Officers Association and served as a delegate to their National Convention. When not sailing or volunteering, Natalie enjoyed dried flower arranging and playing Ma Jong with friends. Natalie lived a full and wonderful life and brought her gift for joy and sincere interest in others to all who knew her. Mrs. Blakely is survived by a son, Paul Carl Blakely of Altadena, CA; a daughter, Verlynn Blair Hart of Albuquerque, NM; a brother, Edmond Middleton of Baltimore, MD and two grandchildren, Nathaniel Blakely and Nolan Blakely. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 60 years, Col. Carl Paul Blakely and her sister, Dorothy Morressette. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2002 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Queenstown, MD at 12:00 noon. Friends may call from 10 AM – 11:45 AM at the Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., Centreville, MD. Burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Queenstown, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions made to the St. Peter’s Church, 5319 Ocean’s Gateway, Queenstown, MD 21658 or to a charity of your choice.