Natalie Romero Puente

Obituary of Natalie Guilianna Romero Puente

On January 20, 2012, God blessed us with the most precious angel—Natalie Guilianna “Nattie Bug” Romero Puente. 

A shining light, brilliant and undeniably beautiful. She came into our lives with immense purpose and lived loud with great conviction. She touched many hearts and generously shared a piece of her light with everyone she crossed paths with. Making people laugh was her superpower. She was full of wit and sass in the best possible ways. Eleven years young, but she had oceans of depth that flowed within her soul and mind. She spoke truth. Her unapologetic honesty was just a mere reflection of her pure and sincere heart. She was fierce, yet gentle. Natalie was set apart. Rare. She was clothed in confidence and accessorized in fearlessness. Love was the essence of her perfume. 

On April 26, 2023, God called our beautiful Natalie home early. He surrounded her in His peace and love, dressed her in the most celestial butterfly wings and ascended her high into the eternal gardens of heaven where she will forever fly free.

Natalie was born and raised in Salinas, California by both her parents, Maria Elena Romero Alvarez, father Jesus Puente Jr. and their respective spouses, stepfather Jose Luis Alvarez, and stepmother Alexandria Cantu who all love her beyond measure. She has five siblings who adore her more than words can express: her big sister, Emily Illene Romero Puente, big brother, Alexzander Ezra Jesus Romero Puente, and little sisters—Ela Puente, Jasmine Puente and Jianna Puente. She was fortunate enough to have two loving grandmothers who spoiled her to pieces, Linda Ann Stillabower and Eladia Canales Rodriguez. She had aunties, uncles, cousins, and many friends that collectively treasured her, loved on her and will miss her dearly. 

Natalie was extremely bright. She was a student at Creekside Elementary School, where she excelled in most subjects and received high recognition including “Student of the Month” and “Accelerated Reader” awards. She also participated in various activities: folkloric dance, volleyball and the Royals, Orange Division cheer team. She was a class favorite by both her teachers and classmates.

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Natalie was our world. 

To her mama, Nattie Bug was her everything, her little girl. Her baby. She had a connection so deep with her that it made others a little envious. They spoke each other’s love language, even in complete silence. From the moment she was born, her mama knew she was special, and she lived for everyone to see what a ray of sunshine she had in Nattie. To say that she was super proud of her would be an understatement. She enjoyed going on weekend getaways with her mom and stepdad, especially trips to Tahoe. 

To her dad, she was his most cherished friend, confidant, the light of his life. He enjoyed quiet moments with his Nattie—whether it was walks in the park or at the beach, drives down the coast, or showcasing her talents—her presence alone brought him so much happiness and peace. Their bond was unshakeable, she was so comfortable to talk to him about anything and everything under the sun. She softly challenged him to be the best version of himself. Nattie looked forward to all family trips with her dad, stepmom, and siblings especially those that involved an amusement park. 

To her step-parents, she was like their own. They took her under their wing and loved her unconditionally.

To her big sister, she was a gem. Nattie obsessed about her big sis, she intently watched her put on makeup, borrowed her clothes without asking, and imitated everything she did. She always reminded her how beautiful she was. Her big sis appreciated her company—even when it was unsolicited—she found all the comfort just being in her presence. 

To her big brother, she was his heart and Nattie’s whole heart. She admired him so much and was his number one fan in everything he did. She wanted to be just like him. 

To her little sisters, Nattie was their best friend. They were inspired by her, from her style, confidence, and wit. She influenced everything they did. They will always look up to her. 

To her grandmothers, she was like their own daughter. They loved witnessing Natalie’s every milestone and watching her grow. It brought them so much joy to see the best of their own son and daughter in Nattie. 

To her aunties, she was like a daughter. They always playfully competed and asked her who her favorite was, knowing Nattie loved them equally. Time spent with her was invaluable and every memory will be held tight in their hearts. They will now live in search for the butterflies in everything.

To her uncles, she will live on in the beautiful stories and memories of her.

To her cousins, she was like a sister. She was adventurous and brave. She was funny and deep, all in one. Their favorite memories of her will always be the summer of 2021, where they spent their days under the warm California sun with sand in between their toes, feeling the waves crash against their skin or hands in the air on the Giant Dipper at the boardwalk. They will miss their facetime calls with her. And now when they look up at the stars, they will only see her sparkling so bright. 

Natalie’s favorite snack was Hot Cheetos and Brisk Iced Tea. Pink Drinks at Starbucks were her thing. She would never pass up a spicy chicken sandwich from Chick-Fil-A or McDonald’s. She spent her free time doodling, painting and more recently, experimenting with makeup and styling her hair. She liked dancing to trendy tik-tok videos and singing her lungs out. 

We thank God for gifting us with 11 wonderful years with Nattie. Her warm presence, radiant smile, and beautiful spirit will forever be missed. 

We love you to infinity and beyond, Nattie Bug. 

Fly high, Butterfly.

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Wednesday
10
May

Visitation

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Mission Mortuary
450 Camino El Estero
Monterey, California, United States
8313754129
Thursday
11
May

Interment

11:00 am
Thursday, May 11, 2023
Queen of Heaven Cemetery
18200 Damian Way
Salinas, California, United States
Thursday
11
May

Celebration of Life

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Thursday, May 11, 2023
Sheriff's Posse Grounds
395 Old Natividad Road
Salinas, California, United States
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