Montgomery – Natalie Anna Birrell, 88, , born September 20, 1928, died April 4, 2017. She married Kirk E Birrell in 1951 and celebrated 62 years of marriage before his passing in 2013. After moving to western Massachusetts from Bellbrook, Ohio in 1974 she has been a long time resident of both Montgomery and Huntington.
She is survived by, sons Norman and wife Susan, Kenneth and wife Susan, David and partner Debbie Lusignan, Mark and wife Jennifer, and Ronald and wife Michelle, ten grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Natalie was born in Montclaire NJ to the late Herbert and Ethel Farwell. She graduated with a BA in Art from George Washington University and an BS in Art Education from Xenia Ohio. She taught art for many years and was an accomplished local painter, with exhibits in Westfield and throughout the Hilltowns. She was also an editor and Illustrator for Stone Walls Magazine.
Natalie was a member of the United Methodist Church in Northampton. She was a lifelong Peace and Environmental activist and participated in marches on Washington against the Vietnam War and nuclear proliferation. Since moving to the area her passion and love of the Hilltowns inspired her efforts in land conservation and preservation of open space.
Natalie possessed a huge spirit that belied her small stature. She learned to fly, traveled the world over, and found adventures far from the beaten path. Her generosity and wisdom have inspired and assisted many people young and old to pursue their higher goals in this uncertain world. Her energy is legendary. She was skiing, hiking, and climbed trees in her late eighties and she painted and remained active in the community until a few days before her death. Her sudden passing leaves a gaping hole in many of our lives.
A memorial service will be held at the Christ United Methodist Church at 271 Rocky Hill Road in Northampton, Massachusetts on Friday, June 23rd at 7:00PM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Christ United Methodist Church (P.O. Box 701, Northampton, MA 01061), or to the Hilltown Land Trust (332 Bullitt Road, Ashfield, MA 01330).
