Natalie Browne Cockrell

June 24, 1927 - September 21, 2025

Natalie Browne Cockrell passed away on the morning of September 21, 2025 following a recent bout of pneumonia. She was the devoted wife of the late Bud (Prentice) Cockrell, who predeceased her in 2022 at the remarkable age of 104. Together, they shared 70 wonderful years of marriage, most of them in East Greenwich, Rhode Island.

Known affectionately as Nannie or Grandma, by her grandchildren, Natalie was the heart of her family. She leaves behind three beloved children: Mary “Penny” Cuddy, Albert Cockrell, and Pauline “Polly” Tyler (Chris). She was a cherished Nannie/Grandma to Nathan Cockrell (Laura), Christian Tyler (Beth), Polly Beads (Calvin), Stephane McGuffin (Cory), George Cuddy (Amanda), Sarah Tyler and Katie Cockrell. Her legacy also lives on through her 11 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart. One of her greatest joys was simply looking at photographs of the family she so dearly loved. She even went as far as purchasing her first laptop in her late 80’s so that she could stay connected on Facebook.

Natalie was an active member of her community and a woman with many talents. At her beloved St. Luke’s Church in East Greenwich, she was well known for her delicious pies and cookies and served faithfully as a bell ringer for many years. She was skilled in sewing, knitting and rug braiding, known for sharing her creations with others. She delighted in yard sales, church “glad rag” sales and always looked for the next big bargain. 

She was a spirited Scrabble player, known for her sharp wit and love of competition. With her children, she also created fond memories of making tie-dyed shirts and making home-made root beer. No family gathering was complete without one of her pies, apple being her favorite. At one point, her baking was in such demand that she lovingly prepared 25 plus pies to fulfill pickup orders at her house.

Natalie will be remembered for her creativity and devotion to her family and community. Her life was a tapestry of love, faith and simple joys woven together into a legacy that will be treasured for generations.

Her Committal Service will be held Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 11:00 am in the Chapel of the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter     Relatives & friends are invited and asked to meet at the administration building parking lot at 10:45 AM prior to the service    

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