Obituary of Natalie Diane Grindle

BANGOR—Natalie Diane Grindle, 85, passed away February 16, 2022, following a battle with Covid-19.  She was born February 3, 1937, in Bar Harbor, the daughter of Freeman Jr. and Ada (Gatchell) Grindle.

Natalie grew up in Otter Creek and graduated from Mt. Desert High School, Class of 1955.  She moved to Bangor in 1969 and work for 25 years at Bangor Mental Health Institute.  While at BMHI, she did everything from recreation, physical therapy aide, and a library and education assistant.  She developed a great love for Special Olympics while working with the residents.  She was a communicant at St. John’s Catholic Church, serving on the Women’s Council of Catholic Women and the Current Events Club, as well as in the funeral ministry and as a Eucharistic Minister.  After retirement, she volunteered at BMHI, the Attic, and, in 1986, became a Mercy Associate of the Sisters of Mercy.

She was predeceased by her parents.  She was a godmother to Lisa, Chris, and Lori Keenan.  She is survived by special friends Jodi, Rick, Olivia, and Jill Ingraham, Jill Long, Patty Blanchard, and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, Natalie asked for donations to be made in her memory to Penobscot Area Special Olympics, c/o Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 299 Union St., Bangor, ME  04401.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 AM, Friday, February 25, 2022, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. John’s Catholic Church, 217 York St., Bangor.  Burial will take place 10 AM, Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Ledgelawn Cemetery, 33 Ledgelawn Ave., Bar Harbor.  Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, Bangor and Brewer.  Messages and memories may be shared at kileyandfoley.com