Obituary of Millie Natale

Millie Natale, 92, of Palm Harbor, passed away peacefully, with her rosary in hand, on February 24, 2026, at Coral Oaks Independent Living, where she was affectionately known as “Little Millie.” Born on August 6, 1933, in Staten Island, and raised in the Tompkinsville neighborhood, she carried her New York spirit with her throughout her life.

Millie was the beloved daughter of the late Joseph and Jennie Maffei. Her sacraments were received at her childhood parish, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Staten Island, NY. She graduated from Curtis High School and attended Wagner College. Before marriage, she worked as a secretary for the State of New York Employment Service, where her cheery disposition shined.

On June 27, 1964, she married the love of her life, Richard Natale, who predeceased her in 2004. That same year, they moved to Freehold, where they built a beautiful life together and raised their two daughters. In January 1993, they retired to Palm Harbor, Florida.

Millie was the devoted mother of Janice Campbell and her husband Bob of Newtown, PA, and Claire Fitzsimmons and her husband Kevin of Manahawkin, NJ. She was a proud and adoring grandmother to Jenna and Jillian Campbell, and Patrick, Jack, Kelly, and Mary Fitzsimmons. Her family was her greatest joy, and she loved each of them deeply.

A woman of strong and abiding faith, Millie attended daily Mass for many years at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, Freehold, NJ and later at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, Palm Harbor, FL. She faithfully prayed the rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet each day, participated in Bible studies, and lived her faith through kindness and compassion.

Millie had a zest for life’s simple pleasures. She was an avid bowler in her younger years achieving three perfect games!  She was an avid reader, loved shopping, and was always impeccably dressed — never without perfectly matched shoes and handbags. She adored pink sparkling nail polish, enjoyed her sweets (especially jelly rings and raspberry bars), and never passed up an opportunity to enjoy fettuccini Alfredo and breadsticks at the Olive Garden. She loved the Hallmark Channel and treasured time spent binge-watching Netflix with her daughters.

Above all, Millie will be remembered as a warm, welcoming presence — always ready with a smile and a kind word. Her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and deep love for her family leave a legacy that will live on in all who knew her.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Rose of Lima Church, 50 Short Hills Avenue, Short Hills, NJ 07078, on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m.

Millie’s life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and she will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Millie’s memory to:

St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 2757 Alderman Road, Palm Harbor, FL 34684,  (727) 786-3648 stlukealderman.org

Empath Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 2675 Tampa Road, Palm Harbor, FL 34684 , (727) 467-7423, suncoasthospicefoundation.org