Nathalie was the backbone of Leadership for Democracy and Social Justice. From the moment she walked into the office on her very first day — which also happened to be her birthday (and her favorite holiday) — she elevated the space with her great sense of style, sharp humor, and, above all, her deep care for the work. Celebration was a core part of who Nathalie was — especially when it came to celebrating others. She quickly became the foundation of the team and was an incredible coworker. She was caring, taking the time to truly get to know you — especially if you were new to the team. Her warm smile and stylish pink outfits lit up our office and Zoom meetings.
Nathalie brought her signature style and deep love of celebration into everything she did at LDSJ. As our Director of Operations, she never missed an opportunity to ensure our Fellows received the very best we had to offer. Whether it was finding retreat spaces where Fellows would feel cared for and held, or making sure we supported businesses owned by people of color, Nathalie’s presence and principles shaped every detail. Her warmth and charisma meant she often became fast friends with hotel and retreat staff — a reflection of her rare ability to connect with nearly everyone she met. As a founding staff member of LDSJ, Nathalie developed many of our operational standards and practices from scratch, and we’re grateful to continue building on what she created with such care and excellence.
As a servant leader, Nathalie had a huge heart for people. She leveraged her many gifts and talents to help improve the material conditions of her community. She spent countless early mornings at Crossroads Community Services preparing meals for neighbors facing food insecurity. Nathalie also served on the board of the Red Hook Conservancy, where she organized and participated in numerous neighborhood beautification projects. One of her favorite volunteer pastimes was welcoming people into fellowship. As an avid member of the Greeter Ministry at Emmanuel Baptist Church, she played an essential role in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals felt valued, respected, and cared for.
Nathalie was also active in her women’s political club, where she once moderated a candidate forum for local public office. After her breast cancer diagnosis, she became a Tigerlily ANGEL Advocate through the Tigerlily Foundation and participated in the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, engaging in legislative advocacy. She attended and helped plan events around breast cancer awareness, research, and policy change.
While Nathalie gave so much to her work and community, her heart belonged first and foremost to her family. She spoke often — and proudly — of her daughter, AJ, and her beloved granddaughter, Rosalie. Nathalie made sure we knew she was a young and hip grandmother, but she doted on Rosalie with the deepest love. Rarely did a week go by without new photos or stories about Rosalie’s sass, sweetness, and growing personality.
In her final weeks, as Nathalie received hospice care, it was clear just how deeply she had touched the lives of those around her. She was rarely alone — so many loved ones came to visit that it became a running joke. Nathalie would laugh and say she just wanted some rest! But of course, we all kept coming. Her family, friends, and community surrounded her with the same devotion and joy she had always given us — until the very end.
Nathalie was a profound woman of faith. Her faith was more than a set of beliefs — it was a deeply lived practice that shaped every aspect of her being. She embodied the tenets of Christianity, prioritizing kindness, love, and the gift of grace. While she was an eye-catching fashionista, her greatest beauty shone from within. Her divine character drew people to her in abundance. She loved immensely, and whatever she touched multiplied. She made every space feel like home with her unwavering hospitality and the warmth of her spirit.
Nathalie leaned on her faith for comfort and strength until her very last breath. Throughout her battle with cancer, she showed up with joy and a peace that surpassed all understanding. In doing so, she helped heal those around her — reminding us to always make space for joy and love, even in life’s most difficult seasons.
We will forever honor her legacy of radical generosity and be inspired by her powerful example of living and loving boldly and faithfully.
