Natalie Demeny, 80, of Wiscasset died at home on April 16, 2014 after a fast, devastating battle with mesothelioma.

Natalie was born on April 27, 1933 in Wiscasset, the daughter of Joseph and Gwendolyn Dowling. 

She graduated from Wiscasset Academy in 1951 and enjoyed attending the annual reunions. She loved learning new things and reveled in her accomplishments of driving a motorcycle, taking flying lessons and obtaining her pilot's license.

Always a hard worker, Natalie was dedicated to providing for her children. She often worked two jobs, combining secretarial workdays and waitressing nights; which included many years at the Dodge Inn in Edgecomb. Natalie retired from Bath Iron Works after 30 years in 1995. She followed this retirement with a much-loved job at the Wiscasset Community Center for 15 years. She regretfully retired from there shortly after her 80th birthday.

A strong and willful woman, Natalie was determined to spend her final days at home; her family not realizing how few there were left to spend. “I’m not angry, I’m not afraid, I’m ready,” she told friends Norma and Naomi on Saturday as she sat in the sun on her front steps for the last time.

A classic and fashionable beauty, Natalie dreaded the encroachment of infirmity. Her stylist, Lisa, was a devoted friend and visited Natalie in the hospital and later at home to keep her as beautifully coiffed as possible.

Natalie was married for 30 years to her beloved husband, Ronald M. Demeny. He predeceased her on March 4, 2008. They were truly devoted to each other, and she missed him greatly.  Thankfully her Labradoodle Sadie helped fill that void. 

She was the oldest sibling to brothers Ted and Jim Dowling, both deceased.

Natalie is survived by her children, Norman Holbrook, Jill Holbrook-Peters, Marji Schoeneman and Ryan Demeny; sisters, Jayne Oakes and Donna Peddle; grandchildren, Justen Peters, Marika Payne, Austin Schoeneman and Acadeah Schoeneman; her great-grandchildren, Genevieve and Jackson Payne.

Having spent the majority of her life night in Wiscasset, Natalie enjoyed a great number of friends and fans nearby. She wanted to say goodbye and thank you to everyone. She was gone before we knew it, and only God knows why a golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the best.

A celebration of life will take place on Sunday, April 27 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Wiscasset Community Center, 242 Gardiner Road, Wiscasset. A graveside service will be held on June 8, 2014 at the Greenlawn Cemetery in Wiscasset at 1 p.m.

Arrangements are under the care of Kincer Funeral Home 130 Pleasant St., Richmond, ME 04357