Obituary of Natividade LaCroix

Natividade LaCroix, known lovingly as Emma, Natalie or Nettie, of Stratford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on February 4th at The Grimes Center in New Haven surrounded by her loving family. Born in 1938 in Sarraquinhos, Portugal, she was the eldest of nine children born to Albertina Teixeira Moutinho and Antonio Esteves Moutinho. She is survived by her siblings Domingos Moutinho of Trumbull, Manuel Moutinho of Stratford, Joaquim Moutinho (Susan) of Monroe, Lucia Reddy of Stratford, and Julia De Oliveira (Joaquim) of Palm Coast, Florida and many nieces and nephews. Natividade was predeceased by her sisters Lina Moutinho, Alda Cyr and her brother Franco Moutinho.

Natividade immigrated to the United States in 1955, landing in Bridgeport where she met the love of her life, Robert LaCroix. They married in 1962 and moved to Stratford in 1963, where they raised a loving family and formed lasting friendships, notably with neighbors Walter and Gloria Lee, withwhom they shared many wonderful dinners and family vacations in Virginia Beach and the Catskills. She spent much of her working career in the banking industry, earning numerous awards for accuracy and being a dedicated team player. For a time, she also helped manage a family-owned restaurant. She is survived by two children, Angelica Laggis (John) of Milford and Donald LaCroix of Winter Springs, Florida. Her grandchildren, Robert Laggis and Brianna Laggis, were the apples of her eye, and she cherished the times she spent with them, often treating them to their favorite lunches.

A person of strong Catholic faith, Natividade spent part of her education in a convent in Portugal and prior to Covid attended Mass most days. She had many angel decorations in her home, a reflection of her gentle spirit. She came to the U.S. with remarkable educational drive, graduating from Central High School in just three years despite not speaking English initially. She loved nature and feeding the ducks at a local pond and she enjoyed walks in the woods and along local beaches. She remained active in fitness, going to the gym three times a week into her early 80s. She cherished parades, and on her 80th birthday in Boston, she joyfully joined one on her own, grinning from ear to ear. She always dreamed of hitting the Powerball and reminded everyone to buy their tickets. She loved tending to her flowers in her yard and visiting rose and flower gardens in nearby towns. She loved taking car rides and listening to her favorite music of Englebert Humperdinck, Tom Jones and Frank Sinatra. Though her son Don resettled in Florida, his work allowed him to spend the last 15 years of her life going out to dinner, enjoying pizza, watching thoroughbred horse racing, and trips to the casino and local events. They were both grateful to have the opportunity to spend this quality time together. A highlight of her life was a two-week trip back to Portugal in 2010 with her children, a memory she always treasured. Natividade was known for her quick wit and memorable one-liners, affectionately called her "Natalieisms." "This is the situation," "It's a beautiful day," "So enjoy life," "And I'll see you when I see you," and "But watch out! There are a lot of kooks out there!" will be fondly remembered by family and friends. Natividade's warmth, faith, and zest for life will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She touched the lives of her family and friends with grace, humor and unwavering love.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Church, 497 Second Hill Lane, Stratford. Entombment will follow in the Garden Mausoleum of St. Michael Cemetery, Stratford. Friends may greet the family on Tuesday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer's Association in memory of Natividade LaCroix. The family would like to thank everyone at the Grimes Center for their compassion, kindness and unwavering support during one of the most difficult times. For online condolences, please visit us at www.abriola.com.