PORTLAND – Natalie Gross Foye, 94, a longtime resident of Auburn, passed away peacefully early Thursday, Nov. 16, with family members by her side – just the way she wanted it. Complications from a fall she had taken the previous day led to her death.

She was born on April 30, 1912, the daughter of Frederick and Avies Gross. She lived most of her life in her hometown of Auburn, although the last five years were spent at Seventy-Five State St., and St. Joseph’s Manor, both in Portland. She attended Edward Little High School, Class of 1931, as well as Kendall Hall in Beverly, Mass., and The Erskine School in Boston.

She worked for several years in the physical therapy department at CMG Hospital, and retired from Owen Moore women’s retail store in the mid-1970s. She was an avid sports fan, particularly loving Boston sports teams, Ohio State University sports teams and harness horse racing. She and her sister, Gloria Fenn, spent many enjoyable times at harness racing tracks throughout New England, and at Roosevelt, Yonkers, and Goshen raceways, all in New York state.

“Nat” was an outgoing person who simply loved being around people and talking with them. She was a friend to all! She especially enjoyed getting together with family members during holidays, as well as summers at the family camp in Belgrade Lakes. She was particularly fond of nature and all animals, especially her much-beloved feline companion, Fridee.

She was a longtime member of the Stanton Bird Club, the Androscoggin Historical Society, the Woman’s Literary Union of Androscoggin County and the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame. In her later years, she also participated in many Shrine events with her longtime friend and companion, Carroll McGilvery of Lewiston.

She is survived by three children: a daughter, Natalie “Nikki” Young, and her husband, Stephen, of Atkinson, N.H.; two sons, Grant Powers, and his wife, Sandra, of North Port, Fla., and Rome and Elwood “Chip” Foye, and his wife, Laura, of Cape Elizabeth; a brother, Thomas Gross, and his wife, Carol, of New London, N.H.; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Elwood E. Foye, in 1955; and her sister, Gloria, in 1997.

Natalie’s family wishes to thank the many dedicated and caring staff members of Seventy-Five State St. and Saint Joseph’s Manor for the exceptional care given to her over the past five years.