Former NEHC President, Natalie B. Libby

Natalie B. Libby, 88, passed away on Feb. 6, 2009 at Mercy Hospital. She was born August 22, 1920 in Portland, the daughter of Alice M. (Sanborn) and Elmer Nichols Blackwell. Natalie graduated from Cape Elizabeth High School, Westbrook College and Blackstone College in Virginia. She served as Deputy Town Clerk under Allen M. Marks, the first Town Manager of Cape Elizabeth, then became Town Clerk and served for 26 years, until her retirement in 1986. She was appointed Town Manager three times during her tenure. Natalie was appointed by Governor Kenneth M. Curtis to the State Animal Welfare Board, serving as President for two years. She served as President of Cumberland County Town and City Clerks Association, and was a member of New England City and Town Clerks Association. Natalie also served as a trustee for Sprague Hall in Cape Elizabeth for many years. She was a lifelong member of the First Congregational Church, South Portland. Natalie was an avid American Saddlebred and Morgan horse owner all of her life. She won many ribbons and trophies and was Maine Equitation Champion in her younger years. She represented the American Saddlebred Association of Maine at the ASHA convention in Louisville KY for the first decade of ASAMʼs existence. She was on the ASAM Board of Directors for over 25 years; rode in Madison Square Garden in the three-gaited division on Southlandʼs Mystic Charm in the late 1930s and continued her representation of Maine well until she last exhibited at Baton Rouge winning her ASB Country Pleasure Driving Championship in the late 1970s; worked for the promotion of the ASB in Maine and the entire east coast for most of her showing career. She travelled often with her life long friend, Marilyn Childs, to Horse shows throughout the nation. She was a senior delegate to the New England Horsemen's Council and served two years as its President. As a founding member of the American Saddlebred Association of Maine, she was recently inducted into their Hall of Fame. Other memberships include the Maine Horse Association, the American Saddlebred Breeders of America and the United States Equestrian Federation. She served in many capacities for these organizations. She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph E. Libby, in 1987. Survivors include her daughter, Jo Hight and husband, Wayne of Scarborough; and their children, Jeffrey Morgan (Donna) of Saco, Daniel Morgan (Bonnie) of Scarborough, Susan Childs (David) of Vermont; son, Jeffrey B. Libby of Chocorua, N.H.; and his children, Todd Libby and Melissa Libby; nine great-grandchildren; uncle, Oakley R. Sanborn of Portland; cousin, Annette Jordan of Cape Elizabeth; lifelong friend, Marilyn C. Childs of Vermont. Visiting hours will be 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: American Saddlebred Association of Maine, Equine Park Fund c/o Pat Leclerc, 36 Snow Road, Durham, ME 04222