Natalie L. Keyser

A true and graceful lady, Natalie LaTour Keyser was a caring and nurturing wife, mother, and caregiver whose greatest joy was her family. She was quiet and unassuming, preferring a more "behind the scenes" role, both in the family business and in day-to-day life. She was the one who orchestrated all the family functions, but on the day of the event, most enjoyed sitting back and proudly observing the interactions among friends and family members while others took center stage. Natalie was born on July 25th, 1921 at home on 1st Ave. in Kingston, to the late Herman and Marie Elizabeth Rieser LaTour. Embodying all the admirable qualities of "The Greatest Generation," of which she was a true member, Natalie and her family overcame many challenges and hardships during the Depression and World War II. After her father lost his business, the LaTour family was led through these difficulties by their strong commitment to their faith, their family, and the American Dream. These experiences shaped her perspectives and made her resourceful and appreciative of everything she had, forming lifelong habits of impressive thriftiness. The "original recycler," Natalie knew how to stretch a meal, and never let something useable go to waste--melting together scraps of soap, washing foil for reuse, and saving everything that could be repurposed. After graduating from Kingston High School in 1939, Natalie went on to attend Hartwick College and the Kingston Hospital School of Nursing, where she was Class President and Valedictorian. She then worked as an RN, supervising the first floor at Kingston Hospital, and became a licensed funeral director, serving alongside her husband, the late William S. Keyser, in the family business, Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service. Her ability to make the most of what she had and overcome the hardships in her past gave her the strength and determination she needed to build a successful business that allowed her to serve the community with caring and empathy and she gave generously of herself in everything she did. As a caregiver, she found her true calling and she worked tirelessly and with great devotion, helping others on a daily basis. She retired in 1991. Natalie was a devoted mother who taught her children the importance of family, honesty, and generosity, and instilled in them an appreciation for simple pleasures. She had a great sense of humor and a great work ethic--it often seemed that she never sat down! She was truly devoted to her family, visiting and talking on the phone with them all regularly. Whether hosting traditional family dinners after church, celebrating Christmas in the living room, or reminiscing at poolside family reunions, a summer tradition that she and her sisters started, Natalie loved getting the family together. When her children were growing up, Natalie made chores such as ironing shirts and weeding the garden into a game. She was known for her beans, corn, and bacon dish, set a beautiful table, and taught the children the importance of good manners like writing thank you notes. She always expressed her love and kindness openly. Through the years, many people have described Natalie as the kindest, most caring person they had ever met. Natalie and her husband enjoyed traveling, and were fortunate to see a large part of the world, including the Pacific, Europe, and the Holy Land. After their retirement, they spent winters in the Florida Keys, enjoying the leisurely pace of life there. Whether swimming or boating, admiring the view of the Hudson from the deck at home in Port Ewen or exploring the Bay in Key Largo, Natalie loved the water. She also enjoyed playing cards and visiting with her two sisters Margie and Betty, trading hilarious stories and sharing memories of their early years. Although she was hesitant to partake in her husband's hobbies, she was devoted to him and usually "game" to go along. Accompanying him on many fishing trips, she eventually became quite a skilled "fisherwoman" herself, and at one time held the record for the largest sailfish caught by a lady! Because her husband loved to fly, Natalie took a flight course and became his "emergency pilot," though she later admitted she was very happy when he got rid of his plane! As his health declined, Natalie cared for him with unbelievable devotion and patience, always by his side. Natalie had taken an active role in the upbringing of her grandchildren, having them over after school every day for a snack. The grandchildren have fond memories of sleepovers at Nana's house, sitting in the loveseat in the grand living room together, reading Reader's Digest and watching 60 Minutes. The granddaughters loved to play dress up with Nana's nightgowns and high heels before she told them to "clean their teeth" and gargle with Scope. As she tucked them into bed in Aunt Krista's old room, they always said the Lord's Prayer together. After her husband's death on October 12th, 2004, Natalie's focus shifted even more to enjoying more time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always made time for them and was present for all their important life events. She seemed to literally glow when she held her great-grandchildren and took such joy in her growing family. In addition to being a faithful and committed wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Natalie was also a dedicated board member of the Hudson Valley Senior Residence for many years. She had a strong faith, attending St. Paul's Lutheran Church for many years, and later becoming a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. Her loving and devoted daughter Krista was her best friend and constant companion during the last chapters of Natalie's life. Natalie passed peacefully on Friday, October 26th, 2012 at Golden Hill, surrounded by her loving family. She was 91. Natalie is survived by her loving family, children, Hermine Keyser Scheu and her husband Otto, Saugerties, William S. Keyser II and his wife Kathleen, Lake Katrine, Eric C. Keyser and his wife Beth, Kingston and Krista LaTour Keyser and her partner Gina Pambianchi, Kingston, grandchildren, Shannon Ashcroft and her husband Peter, Captain Kristen Gibson, USAF and her husband Lt. Colonel Scott Gibson, USAF, Eric "Luke" Keyser and his wife Meghan, Katie Morelli and her husband Andrew and Elizabeth M. Keyser, great grandchildren, Caitlynn and William Gibson and Elizabeth Ashcroft, sisters, Margaret Young, Elizabeth Knaust and her husband Herman, as well as many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Entrusted to the care of The Keyser Family of Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Avenue, Kingston where friends may call on Thursday from 7 - 9pm and on Friday from 2 - 4 & 7 - 9 pm. The funeral service will take place on Saturday at 11am at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Montrepose Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to, Hospice, 34 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401 or Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018