It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Natalie Umanita Bloom, who departed this life on May 24, 2026, at the age of 83. A beloved daughter, mother, grandmother and friend, Natalie found her final days at the Bostonian Skilled Nursing Home in Dorchester, where she received the compassionate care she so richly deserved.
Born on May 16, 1943, in the family home in Chelsea, Natalie was the cherished youngest child of Antonio and Anna (Minutoli) Umanita. Raised in a vibrant family of five, she nurtured her passions early on. An exceptional student, she attended the Shurtleff School and graduated from Chelsea High School before pursuing a diverse and fulfilling career. After training at beauty school, she pursued a brief career in mechanical drafting, finding satisfaction in the male-dominated field. She then ventured to U-Mass Boston graduating with a bachelor’s degree as a paralegal. Her creative spirit propelled her to attend Parsons School of Design in New York, and the Museum of Fine Arts School at Tufts University, where her artistic talents flourished.
Natalie’s artwork has graced the walls of various restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes and private collections, leaving a legacy of beauty in her wake. A devoted single mother, Natalie raised her two daughters and one son in Chelsea. She then relocated to Queens, New York, where she welcomed her third daughter with ex-husband Ron Bloom, before settling in Marblehead, in 1992. She is remembered fondly for her passionate devotion to her family, cooking and hosting joyous holiday celebrations. As a proud grandmother, she adored her five grandchildren, showering them with love and warmth.
Beyond her family, Natalie was a fierce advocate for the less fortunate. She co-founded Mass Fair Share, lending her voice to those in need, and served on the board of directors for HAWC, supporting women impacted by gender violence. Her volunteer work with Girls Inc. in Lynn reflected her unwavering commitment to empowering young women. Her maiden name, Umanita, represents the word humanity in Italian, and the foundation of her passions lay in understanding and honoring humanity in others.
Natalie was predeceased by her dear siblings: Angela Umanita, Charles, Anthony “Nino” and Joseph Umanita; and her loving nephew and nieces. Natalie is survived by her loving children: Kathleen Dobbyn, Maria Cheevers and her husband Joseph, Richard Schneiderman and ex-daughter-in-law, Lauren Rook, and Sarah Umanita-Bloom. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren: Annie Elizabeth Cheevers, Natalie Eileen Cheevers, Calvin Rook, Whitney Rook and Ryan Jose. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews.
Her memory will forever be etched in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to HAWC, 27 Congress St., Salem, MA 01970 or visit; https://hawcdv.org/ or Casa Myrna, 451 Blue Hill Ave., Boston, MA 01212 or visit; https://casamyrna.org/ in her name, keeping her giving spirit alive. May Natalie find eternal peace, and may her legacy inspire all those she leaves behind.
