Service information and obituary for Natalie Garry

Natalie D Garry, RN, MS, GNP-BC arrived at St. Peter’s gate on February 18th, 2026.   To those who loved her, there is no doubt that Natalie had a few things that she wanted to discuss with St. Peter, because after all, Natalie was a wife, a mother, and active church member. Healthcare professionals who knew her would readily agree that she was a nurse activist.

As a wife, she knew being the Colonel’s wife meant that she had a set of roles, obligations, and rules to live by.  She fulfilled those roles to the fullest while she and Kent travelled from military post to military post in various places around the globe.  She knew that she was responsible for certain social functions at the various posts around the world.  This meant Natalie had obligations to fulfill.  Being the Colonel’s wife, meant she had unwritten authority over the spouses of Kent’s subordinates.  She loved to tell the story of the subordinate’s wife who tried to take over the planning of a military social function.  With a clap of her hands and a whisper in Kent’s ear, she set the underling wife straight on the proper procedure with perfect diplomatic style because that was NATALIE’s style.  All that knew her respected her knowledge.  One day, Natalie was scheduled to teach a group of enlisted soldiers, (also known as rank-and-file military personnel) about Sexually Transmitted Diseases.   The first group of soldiers sat through the discussion quietly and seemingly disinterested in Natalie’s perfectly prepared lecture.   To Natalie, the lack of interest signaled that approach needed to be changed.  Once again, she turned to Kent for guidance.  Well, Kent told her that she needed to talk to the soldiers in terms they would understand.  Natalie returned to her duties as nurse/teacher and the next discussion on the subject resulted in personnel leaving the lecture laughing and blushing because the Colonel’s wife got down on their level.  Natalie knew how to discuss a serious topic with a spoonful of sugar in order to drive her point home. 

It was the same way at home, raising three boys with their father often unavailable when the boys behaved like boys was not always easy.  It meant she had to know how to make sure the boys knew what was expected and not expected (did someone say anticipatory guidance?) and handing down proper discipline while simultaneously serving as a role model for both Col Garry’s subordinates and their spouses.   It also meant that Natalie often had to serve as a guidance counselor at a moment’s notice.

As a wife and mother, Natalie was an educator, a counselor, and a role model.  Those are three qualities that Natalie demonstrated as a life-long Christian.  She took part in everything from carrying out the aspects of managing various activities within her congregation by organizing activities; ensuring that others had what they needed regardless of how small that it may have seemed.  She did it with a smile and a giving heart that were so much a part of Natalie.

To Those affiliated with TNA both at the state level and within District 4 knew Natalie as the nurse’s nurse.  She knew the hard work that nursing required.  She rose through the ranks from an Associate Nursing Degree, followed by her Bachelors and Master’s degree in nursing ultimately becoming geriatric nurse practitioner with the UT Southwestern’s Cove program. The Cove program provides in-home care for the vulnerable elderly.  Patient advocate should have been Natalie’s middle name.   Her reputation as a perfectionist served as the motivation to insure that her students knew how to demonstrate professional manners.   She offered her patients reassurance and hope with a smile and a song in her heart.  She assessed all situations she encountered with critical analysis and altruism.  She was a member of the TNA District 4 Governmental Affairs committee where she also served on the Board of Directors; as well Vice-President; President Elect; and President.  At the state level, Natalie served on the state Governmental Affairs Committee.  She was not afraid to speak her mind as she advocated for the concerns of both Texas Nurses Association and Texas Nurse Practitioner Association at the Bi-annual sessions of the Texas State Legislature. 

Natalie has moved to her place in heaven.  She left the boardroom table that she served on for 78 years and has moved on to a greater cause.  Undoubtedly, she has already scheduled daily meetings with St Peter with her note pad in hand to make sure she has the details of her assignments in order including the target population, the outcome goal and the interventions that will be needed to provide evidenced based practice.  Meanwhile, her empty chair here will be filled with her wisdom; straight forward style; and laughter she left behind..