Natalie Teel

Natalie was born on November 20, 1936 to Mildred and Phil Smith in the beautiful state of Colorado where she continued to reside for most of her life. Natalie went to East High school and graduated in 1954. After high school she went on to college at Colorado State University to purse her degree in Occupational Therapy. After graduation from CSU in 1958, Natalie did Occupational Therapy internships in Minneapolis, MN, Palo Alto and Los Angeles, CA, and Waco, TX. While at the VA hospital in Waco, Natalie met her future husband, Wayne Teel. They were married in November 1959, and settled in San Antonio, TX. Daughters Sharon and Elissa followed. The family moved to Denver in 1966 to be closer to Natalie's family, when Natalie began working at St. Joseph's hospital beginning until she retired. She was a very dedicated Occupational Therapist, who preferred working on psych therapy over physical disability therapy. She had a huge capacity for giving and caring for people, and her work allowed her to fulfill her passion to help others.

Natalie had a natural curiosity and was a life-long learner. Some of her passions included the King Arthur Court and Merlin stories, because of their positive and uplifting messages. She also loved puzzles and games, particularly crossword and acrostic puzzles. Natalie always had a passion for being a member of several committees and organizations such as Gamma Phi Beta sorority; P.E.O., BF Chapter in Denver, longtime member; St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, Denver (distinguished member); and Parker Senior Center member.

She was a very talented crafts-women, with a special interest in needle work, quilting and other textiles. Natalie was always working on multiple knitting, needlepoint, sewing and other projects, which she enjoyed gifting to friends and family. She was also an avid theater goer, especially musical theater, and in particular Rodgers and Hammerstein. Her favorite song, ""You'll Never Walk Alone"", was from Carousel.

Natalie loved being a mother, and later a grandmother. She enjoyed doing crafts with her kids and grandkids, and taught all of them to sew and do other crafts. She passed her love of music onto her daughters and grandkids.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Wayne Teel of Parker; by her daughters Sharon Wynde and her husband David of Portland, OR, and Elissa Teel-Duggan and her husband Jerry of Fort Collins; by her grandchildren Kendall and Sophie Wynde, and Aidan and Colleen Duggan; and by her brother Brad Smith and sister-in-law Alta of Castle Rock, and nephews Brent and Phil Smith.

Natalie lived a long beautiful life passing on February 13, 2019 at the age of 82. She lived her life with grace, love and had no regrets. A Celebration of Life will be held at Horan & McConaty, 11150 E. Dartmouth Ave., Aurora, CO on February 23, 2019, 11am service with a reception to follow.

Gifts may be made to Colorado State University to support a student scholarship in Occupational Therapy in memory of Natalie Smith Teel, in one of two ways:

1) Online at: advancing.colostate.edu/OT*58983

o There will be an option to ‘Include a Tribute', where you may list Natalie's name.

2) Checks may be made payable to CSU Foundation, and mailed to: 410 University Services Center, Fort Collins, CO 80523

o Please include a note with your gift, designating it ""for the OT Scholarship (fund # 58983), in memory of Natalie Smith Teel.""

Memorial Service: February 23, 2019 11:00 am

Horan & McConaty - SE Denver/Aurora
11150 E. Dartmouth Ave.
Aurora, CO 80014

Reception: February 23, 2019 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

HeartLight
11150 E. Dartmouth Ave.
Aurora, CO 80014