Natalie Teresa Giardina

Natalie Teresa Giardina, 79, of Mio, Michigan passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at her treasured home at Hinchman Acres Resort and Canoe Livery in Mio, Michigan.
Natalie was born December 21, 1937 in Kimball, West Virginia to Antonio and Maria Majestro. She graduated from Welch High School in 1956. Soon after graduation she married her beloved husband Sam R. Giardina on June 16, 1956. She will be missed by her daughters Mary Anne (Movses) Shrikian, of Berkley, Michigan, Nancy (Tom) Doddridge of Naperville, Illinois and Toni (James) Pratt of Brighton Michigan. She was the beloved grandmother of Tamar, Zaven, Tommy, Jessica, Nicholas, Kohar and Alyssa. She was also the dear sister of Nancy (Dan) Rasi, Josephine (Joe) Chiari, Dr. Tony (Prudence) Majestro, Carmella (Francis) Cuomo, Margaret (Philip) Cuomo and sister-in-law of Carmela Giardina, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Sam, her parents, sister Francesca Cucuzza, brother Joseph Majestro, brother-in-law Dan Rasi, sister-in-law Sally Allen and brother-in-law Dennis Giardina.
Natalie was employed as a secretary at Ford Motor Company for 9 years. In April 1971, Natalie and Sam moved to Mio, Michigan where they successfully owned and operated Hinchman Acres Resort and Canoe Rental. They loved partnering together to build a quality resort and canoe rental on the beautiful AuSable River. They enjoyed the hard work and pride in operating a well known and popular family vacation destination. They provided quality service to many generations of repeat customers. Natalie loved the perennial gardens around the resort and tended to them with her expert green thumb. She sold the business in December 2012.
Natalie had a zest for life and boundless energy. She was a woman of strong faith with a deep love for God. Natalie was a member of St Mary’s Catholic Church, and active as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus of Our Lady of the Woods Council #7329, Mio.
She loved and cared deeply for her family. She was very proud of her three girls and took great pride in her grandchildren. She loved spending time with her large extended family and enjoyed their company. She loved traveling with Sam and enjoyed trips to Las Vegas and Florida. She visited relatives in Italy in 1977 and Australia in 1988. She often shared fond memories of her travels.
Natalie was proud of her Italian heritage and the deep tradition of family and food. She was a fantastic cook. She created her own dishes and loved baking and sharing new recipes for her friends.
Natalie was deeply rooted in the community and was a member of the Mio Red Hats, recently serving as the Queen. She was active in the Garden Club, the Bird Club, and a even served as a citizen member of a special committee for the Department of Natural Resources. She most recently served as the secretary of the Board of Directors of Love, INC.
She loved playing cards, especially bridge and pinochle, and often hosted card parties at her house. Her parties gave her the opportunity to spend time with her many friends.
Natalie was an avid reader and recently had sponsored a “little free library” with her bridge club. She took great joy in stocking the shelves with books so she could spread the love of reading.
Visitation will be Friday, April 28, 2017 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lashley Funeral Home located at 318 Pearl Street Mio, Michigan. A parish vigil service and Rosary will begin at 7:00 p.m. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mio with Rev. Santiago M. Hoyumpa officiating. Natalie will lie in state at the church from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. prior to Mass. Burial will be in Mentor Township Cemetery.
Donations may be made in Natalie’s memory to Our Lady of the Wood Shrine Restoration Fund or Love INC, Oscoda County Chapter Fairview, Michigan.
Natalie found the good in everyone and reached out to many people in need. She was loved by all who knew her and will be truly missed.
Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio