Natalie T. Tripp, 95, passed away peacefully at The Oaks in New Bedford, Massachusetts, on May 28, 2026. She was the wife of the late Elliot C. Tripp, Jr.
Born in New Bedford, she was the daughter of the late Arthur C. Thompson and the late Grace E. (Pittsley) Thompson. She graduated from New Bedford High School at the age of 16 and went on to Kinyon Campbell Business School. She worked at many different businesses as a secretary, finishing her career working for Thompson Consultants, a business owned by her brother.
Natalie was a valued life-long member of The People’s Christian Church. She was a teacher of young children in the Sabbath School for sixty-one years and served as the secretary for the Board of Directors for thirty-three years.
Natalie was a gifted organist. She began sharing her gift in 1952 playing the organ at The Immanuel Baptist Church in New Bedford where she played faithfully until her recent illness. The congregants became her second church family. After spending many years filling in whenever necessary, Natalie became the main organist for her own church in 1985. Her dedication to playing gave both churches much joy and an appreciation for her gift.
Natalie loved to read novels and her Bible. She was a Bible scholar and her faith was unwavering.
She and her husband Elliot ran a corn and blueberry farm in Acushnet for many years.
Natalie is survived by her children, Dr. Christopher S. Tripp of Virginia and Matthew C. Tripp of New Bedford, four grandchildren (Adrianna, Christopher, Jacob, and Matthew) and three great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Natalie was the sister of the late Terrance, Garvice, George, Arthur, and Robert Thompson and Arlene Briggs and Barbara Savaria.
The family would like to extend their thanks to the staff at The Oaks for their care of Natalie during her brief illness.
Funeral service to which relatives and friends are invited will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Kirby Funeral Home at 11 AM.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 10-11 AM, prior to the service.
Interment to follow in North Marion Cemetery , Marion.