November 13, 1929-May 17, 2015
Natalie Weymouth Scholes Goranson, of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, beloved wife of Donald Otto Goranson, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2015, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, Mass., at 85 years of age.
Natalie was born in Fitchburg, Mass., on November 13, 1929, to Norman and Ruth Scholes. She was an only child and devoted daughter, who cared tenderly for her mother later in life. Natalie graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1947 and attended Framingham State College, graduating in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Natalie and Donald were married on April 12, 1952, and shared 63 joyful years together. She came to Great Barrington in 1957 when Don took a job at Searles High School.
Natalie was a longtime employee of Berkshire Hills Regional School District, teaching home economics at Monument Mountain Regional High School and then at Searles Middle School. She initiated and developed the curriculum for the nursery school at Monument Mountain, which continues in existence to this day. Natalie was a founding member of the Berkshire Quilters Guild, and a trustee of the Mason and Ramsdell Public Libraries. She volunteered at Chesterwood in Stockbridge for several years. Natalie was a member of the First Congregational Church of Great Barrington and a member of the Thursday Morning Club.
Nat had many diverse interests and talents. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, quilting, cooking, entertaining, reading biographies, playing cards, researching genealogy and doing crossword puzzles with Don. Nat appreciated hymns, poetry, fashion, language, education, politics and social issues. She loved a good, hot strong cup of coffee and had a wry sense of humor.
Natalie is survived by her husband Donald Goranson of Great Barrington and her three children: David Goranson and his wife Pamela of Orlando, Fla.; Heidi Maughan and her husband Gordon of Centennial, Colo.; and Melissa Goranson of Salem, Mass. She is survived by her four grandchildren: Benjamin Goranson of Denver, Colo.; Troy Goranson of Denver; Alexander Maughan of Boulder, Colo., and his wife Heather; and Carmen Maughan of Englewood, Colo.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 21, 2015 from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. at FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME in Great Barrington. A service celebrating Natalie’s life will follow at 1pm conducted by Rev. Charles VanAusdall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mason Public Library or the American Lung Association through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Remembrances may be sent to her family through www.finnertyandstevens.com.
