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Natalie Tompkins Gooch, born May 9, 1915, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, February 16, 2007. She was born into one of the oldest military families of the United States Army. Natalie was raised by her paternal aunt after her mother's death. Her father considered her the light of his life as his only surviving child. Natalie was well educated and has told many incredible stories of her childhood in the "Old Army." In 1936, she married First Lieutenant Stacy William Gooch. They would be married sixty-two years, have two children, and become a great asset to the U.S. Military. Stacy, with Natalie as his greatest supporter, achieved Colonel status and became Base Commander at Sandia Base. Natalie and Stacy retired in Albuquerque in 1964. After their retirement they enjoyed skiing at Taos Ski Valley, tennis, travel, entertaining in their home, fishing, golf, and most of all, each other. From the beginning of their marriage, Natalie had devoted herself to becoming a fantastic cook. She will be considered legendary for the parties she master planned and gave in their home hundreds of times over the years. Stacy was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 1992. Throughout his progressive illness, Natalie remained intensely in love with and deeply devoted to him. She cared for him until he passed away in 1998. Indicative of their lifelong love, and despite the effects of Alzheimer's, Stacy always knew and recognized Natalie. Unable to speak to anyone else, Stacy would say to her, "I love You Nat." Because of their mutual relationship with the God of the Bible, Stacy has once again been reunited with his beautiful bride. Natalie is survived by her son, Bill Gooch of Empire, CO, "Billy Boy," as she affectionately referred to him; daughter, Simone McCarthy of Albuquerque; granddaughter, Germaine Johnson and husband, Rick of Albuquerque; and three great-grandchildren children, all of whom loved their "Mimi" very much. As her great-grandson, Shaeon, said after her death, "I will miss my Mimi very much, but I know she is with Jesus and Stacy." All who knew her will miss her deeply. Her kindness, humor, and love of life were infectious and will remain the gifts she gave to us. Celebration of Life Services will be held Wednesday, February 28, 2007, 2:00 p.m., at St. Mark's on the Mesa Church, 431 Richmond Place NE. Internment will take place Thursday, March 1, 2007 at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Marks on the Mesa, or to your favorite charity. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333
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