Natalie Ann Yachymiak
Formerly of Cornwall-on-Hudson
Natalie Ann Yachymiak, a former resident of Cornwall-on-Hudson, died on Jan. 24 at age 77, following a brief hospital stay and a stay in a personal care home in Montrose, Penn. She and her husband, William Yachymiak, lived near his boyhood home in Brooklyn, Penn., for the past two decades. They were married in 2001.
Natalie was born and lived most of her life in Cornwall. She was the youngest of six children of Benjamin and Loretta Santoro. Her siblings were Dr. William Santoro, Gloria (Santoro) Neale, James Santoro, Dr. Benjamin Santoro and Sally (Santoro) Ryan, all of whom are deceased. The family owned Santoro Bar and Grill plus an adjacent store in Cornwall-on-Hudson.
Natalie graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s High School in Newburgh, attended Penn Hall in Chambersburg, Penn., and earned a bachelor’s degree in history from American University in Washington, D.C.
After college and a brief work stint in Washington, she returned to Cornwall to help care for her parents. She worked as a lifeguard at the Cornwall pool and at West Point, where for 11 years she directed all of the Academy’s outdoor swimming facilities.
Natalie was also a substitute teacher in the Cornwall school system, which is how she knew Mr. Yachymiak, a distinguished English teacher. She was the first female Eucharistic Minister in St. Thomas of Canterbury Parish, an avid horseback rider and an accomplished cook.
Natalie is survived by her husband, William Yachymiak, plus 16 nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held on Jan. 30 at the Lulves Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, Jan. 30 at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church and was followed by interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Montgomery.
Arrangements are under the direction of James F. Lulves Funeral Home. To send condolences visit www.lulvesfuneralhome.com.