Natalie A. (Oriel) Van Kirk, age 91, of Venice, Florida, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025, while in Advinia Care, Venice, FL. Natalie was the daughter of the late John J. Oriel and Doreen M. (Oriel) Burnside, and was born in New Jersey. She was the wife of Lambert L. Van Kirk, who passed in August 1992. Natalie was a 1953 graduate of Somerville High School and was a 1956 graduate of the School of Visual Arts in the Cartoonist & Illustrators School of New York City.

Natalie, a professional artist and an accomplished oil and watercolor painter, worked mainly in motion picture studios as a staff artist in New York City. In later years, she worked as an instructor for Spectrum Institute for the Advertising Arts of NJ, teaching art skills to high school graduates seeking careers in the field of art.

Natalie certainly had an interesting life. She traveled extensively in the United States and Europe, often acting as a tour guide for friends and family, especially her beloved niece, Darlene. Natalie was active in several Sports Car Clubs in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, winning many trophies as both driver and navigator in her favorite car, the Alfa Romeo. With her husband, they were active members of the Pen Lehigh Airstream Club in Pennsylvania. They traveled many places in the eastern U.S. and wintered for ten years in Ramblers Rest in Venice, FL.

After the loss of her husband, Natalie moved to Venice, FL, and continued to be very active. She was the author of two books, Saltwater in Our Blood, a family memoir, and Louie's Letters, about their loveable cat, Louie. She was also an active volunteer for the Humane Society, Red Cross, Soldiers Angels, Care Wear Organization, and Operation Write Home.

Survivors of Natalie are her niece, Darlene (Eskow) Howell, of Jackson, NJ; nephew Robert Andrews of Waretown, NJ; stepson Lambert W. Van Kirk and his wife, Patricia, and grandson Ryan Van Kirk, all of Venice, FL; stepdaughter Joyce Muldoon of Blacksburg, VA and Joan Farrington (Thomas) of Sparta, NJ.

Interment will be at Blawenberg Dutch Reformed Church Cemetery, Blawenberg, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Paralyzed Veterans, https://secure.pva.org/.