On Friday, June 26, 2026, Heaven welcomed its newest angel, and brightest star, with open arms. Natalie Dunn Wills, passed away at Johns Hopkins Hospital, after a courageous, 4 years battle with breast cancer.
Natalie is survived by her Mother Florence (Bucky) Wills, her Father Jim (Jimmy) Wills and her Sister, Laura (Birdie) Wills and her best four-legged friend, her loyal golden retriever, Sunny. She was predeceased by her Maternal Grandparents, Gil and Florence Dunn and her Paternal Grandparents, Jacque and Lillian Wills. Natalie is survived by many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews, and Godchild.
Nat, Natty, Natlax, as she was so fondly referred to by so many, lived her 36 years to the fullest. Lacrosse was Nat’s true love. From her start with the Kent Island Comets, St. Mary’s H.S. CCLax Club, Vanderbilt University and the USA National Team. After graduating with Honors from Vanderbilt, she went on to coach at Boston University and then at The University of Maryland in 2015, where she helped the Terps win a National Championship. Her final joy in Lacrosse, was coaching the McDonogh Women’s lacrosse team for the past two seasons. Even thru her personal struggles fighting cancer, she showed up every day on the field, with a smile and full of encouragement for the Eagles, whom she grew to know, coach and love.
Nat was a goalie, a position that in itself, requires great courage, strength, agility and Nat played the position to near perfection. She had the highest level of courage and strength that simply amazed those who watched her play. It was these attributes, that allowed her to fight the biggest battle of her life with cancer. She was truly a student of the game and her love of the sport, went beyond the playing field. As Natalie worked for USA Lacrosse, right up to the day she passed. She played an interictal part in developing the National Teams Development program and her dream was to see Lacrosse played in the Olympics. Her dream came true, as it will be played in the 2028 Olympic games in Los Angeles. Aside from lacrosse, Nat’s other happy place was the endless summer days, spent at the beach in Ocean City where she continued to make scores of friends and brought smiles to all who knew her.
If attending the services, please honor Natalie’s wish by wearing a touch of color in celebration of her life.
A visitation will be held on Monday, July 6, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 106 Shamrock Road, Chester, MD 21619.
A Celebration of Natalie’s Life and a Catholic Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 7, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church, 1861 Harbor Drive, Chester, MD 21619. Interment at Stevensville Cemetery will immediately follow the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Natalie Dunn Wills Memorial Fund, that will support Breast Cancer Research and Women’s Lacrosse at St. Mary’s High School, McDonogh High School and Vanderbilt University. https://gofund.me/0c73fcc3c
For more obituaries visit our obituaries page.
This obituary was published by Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home.
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