Katherine T. Lopez Natale

Katherine T. Lopez Natale of Reading passed away on Tuesday, January 3, 2023.

Born on Friday, October 3, 1947 in Boston, Katherine is the loving daughter of the late Anthony Joseph Lopez and Katherine (Angelo) Lopez.  Katherine is a warm, kind and gentle daughter, sister, wife, aunt, stepmother, cousin and friend who is loved by all.

Kathy was a kind, loving, and strong individual who greatly impacted the lives of so many around her.  As the loving wife of Paul Natale, they were a role model of love and stability during their forty years of marriage in which they created their own rhythm and path.  She reveled in bringing together all her families, including stepchildren and grandchildren for holidays and special occasions for food, family connection, laughter, and joy.  The shared affection in the Natale family for “Nona Kathy”, as she was known, was wonderful. Kathy was endeared by her brothers and sisters as someone who was always there to mentor, support, encourage, and lovingly embrace them.  She never missed calling each one of them on holidays and birthdays and, as the older sister, often took the lead in navigating them through many difficult times.  To say that Kathy was a caretaker to many understates what she brought to people in her life.  From caring for her husband Paul or her disabled cousin, to watching over her younger siblings in her early years or helping a sick neighbor and friend in need, Kathy was always there.

In addition to all she did for family and friends, Kathy also shaped a very successful professional and public life.  She excelled in school with her deep intellect and received a full scholarship to Boston College where she ultimately received her PhD in French Literature, making her a triple Eagle!  She enjoyed teaching French and Spanish at Medford High School and her passion led her to become the Director of Foreign Languages in the Medford school system.  She remained active with her fellow colleagues on many teaching profession issues and kept in friendly close contact years after her retirement.  In recent years she was treasurer of the Reading Cultural Council, giving her an opportunity to advance the arts which she so much appreciated.  She was an active member of St. Agnes Church in Reading and participated in the choir, even playing keyboard for a time.

Kathy was quite the Renaissance person in that she enjoyed many other facets of a rich and rewarding life.  She played the piano in her youth, studying at the New England Conservatory and engaged in performances.  With her husband Paul, she loved sports of all kinds, especially playing tennis regularly, and attending BC football games.   She always had a soft place in her heart for dogs, especially for her Harley.  She was an avid traveler and explored many places across the world, especially in Europe where her language skills excelled.

Kathy was successful in life and brought joy to those who knew her as a daughter, wife, sister, stepmother, aunt, friend, and family member.  She will be sorely missed by all.

Katherine is the beloved wife of Paul H. Natale.  She is the devoted sister of Carol L. Plotkin and her husband Ronald, Dr. Richard J. Lopez, MD and his wife Suzanne, Ronald A. Lopez and his wife Ellen, and Linda E. Castellano and her husband Peter.  The dear stepmother of Paul J. Natale and his wife Maria, Jonathan Natale and his wife Jill, Elizabeth Natale and her wife Tricia, Patricia Natale and her partner Sabine and Carolyn Natale and her husband Neil. Katherine is the cherished aunt of Matthew, Christopher, Andrea, Sarah, Michael, Carolyn, Julia, Kristen, Charles and Jenna.

Funeral from the Doherty – Barile Family Funeral Home, 11 Linden St. READING Tuesday, Jan. 10^th at 11am followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating Katherine’s Eternal Life in St. Agnes Church, 186 Woburn St. Reading at 12pm.  Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with Katherine’s Family on Monday from 5-7pm in the Funeral Home.  Parking attendants and elevator are available.  Interment Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Katherine’s memory to St. Agnes Church, 186 Woburn St. Reading, MA 01867 or by referring to www.readingcatholic.org.

For more information, www.facebook.com/BarileFamilyFuneralHome