Obituary of Natalie W. Darwin
Natalie Darwin, a remarkable centenarian and cherished pillar of her community, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2024, at Morristown Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 4, 1923, to Max and Rose Weiss, Natalie's vibrant spirit and tenacious independence defined her 101 years of life.
Natalie was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, where she excelled in school. She enthusiastically attended summer camp for many years, as a camper then as a counselor. She studied at the New Jersey College for Women (later Douglass College and now Rutgers University) and earned a Bachelor's degree in home economics from Pratt Institute.
After her marriage, she lived briefly in Woodbridge, New Jersey, before settling in Plainfield, where she made her home for the past 72 years in a house that she loved from the first time she saw it until the end of her life.
Natalie's life was a testament to her enduring dedication to community service and her faith. A member of Temple Sholom in Plainfield and later in Scotch Plains for over 70 years, she served on the Executive Committee and was a long-time Board of Trustees member. Natalie's contributions were many, including working with the Temple Sisterhood, on the Temple newsletter, and with the Temple-run housing-for-the-homeless program. Her commitment extended beyond her temple; she was an active member of the Muhlenberg Twigs, a women's volunteer group supporting Muhlenberg Hospital, and she worked to help children in the public school system learn reading skills.
An accomplished knitter, Natalie was also an avid reader and until very recently was an active long-time member of her book club. She delighted in travel, accompanying her husband in his import business to various destinations in Asia and Europe, and enjoying trips with her family to Mexico and Alaska. With her daughter, she explored Scotland, Germany, and France, among other places.
Above all, Natalie was devoted to her family, actively involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren, with whom she communicated daily, and whom she supported by attending their sporting events, graduations, and other major life events, as well as at frequent rollicking family gatherings. She transmitted her deep love and enthusiasm for family to all the subsequent generations of the Darwin clan.
Natalie was predeceased by her loving husband, Sidney Darwin, in 2002, and by her sons, Gary Darwin in 2021 and Robert Darwin in 2015, her son-in-law, Paul Weiler, in 2021, and by her two brothers, Harold and Murray Weiss.
Natalie is survived by her daughter, Florrie Darwin; her son, Allen Darwin, and his wife, Maureen Erwin; her daughters-in-law, Jodye Darwin and Beverly Darwin; her grandchildren, Matthew Darwin (Phoebe), Grant Darwin (Elizabeth), Ross Darwin (Michael), Evan Darwin (Alix), Lane Darwin (Madison), Zhou-Lei and Chris Jang; her step-grandchildren Virginia Weiler (Paul Courtney), Kathryn Weiler (Sarah Kennedy), and Charlie Weiler (Katie Hume); four great-grandchildren, Finley, Julian, Amelia, and Marlowe; four step-great-grandchildren, Leo Courtney, Magda Courtney, Poppy Weiler, and Ben Weiler; many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews; and many dear and devoted friends.
Services to celebrate Natalie's remarkable life will be held on Tuesday at Temple Sholom on Lake Avenue in Scotch Plains at 11 a.m., followed by the burial at Beth Israel Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved Sidney. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Darwin Family Fund at Temple Sholom, or to a charity of your choice, honoring Natalie's legacy of generosity and community engagement.
Natalie's life was a beacon of love, service, and connection, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she touched. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.
