American Cremation and Funeral Service | Durham, NC

Obituary For Natalie Hale Gardner

Natalie Hale Gardner January 11, 1977-July 5, 2020

Natalie is survived by her daughter Abigail Reese Gardner of Papillion Nebraska, Siblings Kevin Nicholas Hale of Morgantown, WV, Tamara Hale Straughn of Timberlake, NC , Erick Todd Hale of Irving, Tx, Melanie Hale Campbell of Timberlake, NC, Phillip Bradley Hale of Chapel Hill, NC, and Nicole Lanae van Harreveld of Milton, Vt.

Natalie was born in Illinois and moved to Durham as a young child. She graduated from Northern High School where she was active on the dance team, while there, making life-long friendships. Natalie graduated from Northern High School in 1995.

While working at Joe’s Crab Shack, Natalie met Mike, her former husband. She worked at Duke Hospital for several years with her sisters Tamara and Melanie, and her brother, Brad. Along with family, Natalie also had many friends at Duke.

Natalie and Mike moved to Wilmington, and had Abby, the joy of their life. Natalie’s love of the beach made Wilmington a special place to her and her family. Another special place in Natalie’s heart was her sister and brother in-law’s boat. Melanie and Chesley lovingly included Natalie on their boat on Kerr Lake whenever Natalie could be there. The three of them forged a bond like no other and their time on the lake strengthened their connection and love for one another.

Natalie shared a passion for Josh Groban’s music with her sisters Tamara, and Melanie. Together they saw him several times in concert and always made his concerts a special event.

Natalie’s love in life, was her daughter Abby. Abby was the light, the bright spot in her world, and she took such pride in Abby’s talent as a performer. Natalie eagerly shared pictures and videos of Abby’s dance performances with her family and friends.

Like her sister Nicole, Natalie loved her Bojangles. She could not visit NC without making a trip to her beloved Bo.

After many days of battling her illness, Natalie’s family was able to bring her "home", to Timberlake where she could be cared for lovingly, and surrounded by her family. She passed away surrounded by her sisters, and her best friend, and brother-in-law, Chesley. Her bright light cannot be dimmed, she will always be remembered and loved by those who had the privilege of knowing Natalie.

The family would like to acknowledge Natalie’s former husband and his family. Mike has been so supportive of the family and Natalie. He is now, and will always be, a part of the Hale family.

The family would like to thank everyone for their continued support and donations through this tough time. In lieu of flowers the family would encourage continued donations for Natalies daughter through, https://www.gofundme.com/f/natalie-hale-gardner-memorial-fund?utm_medium=sms&utm_source=product&utm_campaign=p_susi-sms-welcome All additional donations will be applied to a 529 College Savings Plan for Natalie’s beloved daughter Abigail.

Thank you so much for your gifts of love and support upon this family.

Guest Book

I don't want to be redundant as I signed it before the family was finished, Bad Girl I am. I think that the Hale Family are a phenomenal family. I am so grateful they have such a large family to be there for each other. Natalie and I stayed in touch through Facebook and as said in her tribute we were always talking about Abby her daughter. Natalie was a great Mom and adored her Abby. Abby excelled at everything she did involving her dance and was very good at it. Those lovely eyes were breathtaking. Natalie always gave people hope and was there for them, and full of love! No doubt she will be missed by many. R.I.P Natalie

- na

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- American Cremation and Funeral Service | Durham, NC