Natalie Tootell Oliver
Natalie, who passed away peacefully at her home in Santa Cruz on October 28, 2016, was a good friend of
Fr. Joe, and because of that she also was a strong supporter of Amigos Anonymous. She was an important donor to the Father O’Looney Scholarship Fund, which benefits academically gifted but economically challenged students in Apaseo el Grande, Guanajuato.
In her last years, Natalie developed many close relationships with Amigos, particularly as she often participated in the Amigos’ retreats in the Spring at Villa Maria Del Mar near her home. Amigos and our scholarship students owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Natalie for her support of the Amigos’ program. She will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Natalie was born in Rhode Island in 1928, graduated from Stanford University in 1950 and earned a Master’s Degree in Sociology from California State University, San Jose, as well as a secondary teaching credential in history and Spanish. She worked for more than 15 years as an engineering planner with Northrup-Grumman. In retirement, Natalie used her education and Spanish background to tutor middle school students with limited English proficiency.
Natalie moved from Huntington Beach to Santa Cruz in 1999 to be closer to her grandchildren and made friends playing bridge, participation in the Democratic Women’s Club and the American Association of University Women. Natalie loved politics and had fun going to President Clinton’s inauguration. She also was a strong supporter of education.
Any acts of charity can be made in her memory to the Local Scholarship Fund of the American Association of University Women, Santa Cruz Branch.