Natalie Ann Purington

We are profoundly saddened to announce the loss of our beloved Natalie Ann (Bricher) Purington, otherwise known as Lovey. Natalie passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 1st surrounded by her family at her home in Rye, NH. Natalie was born on May 29th, 1960 in Erie, PA to her late parents Joseph and Clara Bricher. Being one of six children, she was accustomed to and loved a busy home. She was a social butterfly from an early age, always surrounded by siblings and friends, and had a magnetic personality that drew those to her. Natalie and her family moved to Winthrop, Maine in 1972 where she graduated from Winthrop High School. A few years later, Natalie met her soon to be husband, Ted, who she let court and chase her down before agreeing to go on a date. The two fell head over heels and were married a year later on June 25th, 1982. Natalie and Ted then moved to Bedford, NH to start a family of their own. The two made the decision for Natalie to stay at home and be a full-time mom. This was one of Natalie’s most prized and successful roles. She was extremely nurturing, loving, warm, and hands on. She was more than just an incredible mom to her own children, she became a second mother to numerous others. She was considerate, generous, thoughtful and kind to many beyond her immediate beloved family. She proudly dubbed herself “a big kid”. She loved to play with her children; jumping on the trampoline, drawing with chalk, doing wheelbarrow races down the driveway with whatever could be found or devised with wheels. Once her children left home, Natalie broadened her passion for kids and became a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate for children (CASA NH and Florida Guardian ad Litem). She selflessly and diligently helped to advocate for at-risk children to be placed in safe and loving homes. Natalie was an avid New England sports’ fan. She attended dozens of Red Sox games and a few highly memorable Patriots games. Beyond her love of family and sporting events, she enjoyed hosting friends, celebrating sunsets and caring for her many outdoor decorative plants and flowers. Natalie was predeceased by her mother and father, sister Elizabeth Ann, and brother Peter Bricher. Natalie is survived by her husband Theodore Purington, Jr. of 42 years and their children: Theodore Purington III and wife Jennifer with daughter Sienna of Parkland, FL; Kristianna Robertson and husband Michael with daughter Isla of Seabrook, NH; and Gabrielle Purington of Rye, NH; sisters: Cindy and her husband Ted Grassi Jr. of Port St Lucie, FL, Mary and her husband Bob Borg of Bohemia, NY, Christine and her husband Bob Merrill of Austin, TX, and brother Joe Bricher and his wife Sue of Erie, PA, as well as her many loved nieces and nephews. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend Natalie’s funeral mass at St. Elizabeth Seton Church at 190 Meetinghouse Rd, Bedford, NH on Tuesday, March 11th at 11:00 AM. To attend Natalie's funeral remotely, please click here on the day and time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to CASA NH or Guardian ad Litem in SW Florida in Natalie’s honor. Links to the websites can be found below. Volunteer for NH Children - CASA of New Hampshire CASA of NH PO Box 1327 Manchester NH 03105 Phone: 800-626-0622 Email: speakup@casanh.org Florida Guardian ad Litem Office | Child welfare advocates protecting the rights of children. Florida Guardian ad Litem Foundation P.O. Box 10688 Tallahassee, FL 32302 Phone: 850-922-7213 Email: info@guardianadlitem.org

Natalie Ann Purington

May 29, 1960 - March 1, 2025