News Summary
Nathalie Rose Willig, a beloved New Orleans matriarch, passed away at 100. Through her active community involvement and tradition of family gatherings, she left a lasting legacy. From her culinary skills to her work in local organizations, Nathalie’s spirited life reflected her dedication to her hometown and family. Her memory continues through her children and grandchildren, along with a planned celebration of life.
New Orleans, Louisiana — Nathalie Rose Willig (née Winter) passed away peacefully at the age of 100 on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Her remarkable life was characterized by family, friendships, and an unwavering love for her hometown of New Orleans. Willig’s legacy includes her active participation in community events and her passion for celebrating local traditions.
Nathalie was born on April 23, 1925, in New Orleans. She grew up on State Street in uptown New Orleans, where she attended Holy Name of Jesus Elementary School and later Dominican College. At Dominican College, she became involved in a sorority and served as a cheerleader for Tulane University’s sports teams, further deepening her ties to the community.
It was at a Tulane Navy V-12 mixer that Nathalie met her future husband, William David (Bill) Willig, Jr. The couple married in 1945 and welcomed their first son, David, in 1948. Over the years, they expanded their family with two more sons, Charles in 1950, and daughters Judy in 1953 and Jean in 1960. The family experienced a period of relocation to Norfolk, Virginia, due to Bill’s military service at the Portsmouth Naval Base, before returning to New Orleans where they settled in Metairie on Forshey Street.
Sampion was a dedicated family woman, known for her involvement in local youth organizations as a den leader for both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. She was deeply involved in the festive preparations for Mardi Gras, showcasing her creativity in decorating floats and sewing costumes. Nathalie was particularly known for her culinary skills, with her fried chicken and potato salad being favorites during Carnival celebrations. She also enjoyed hosting elaborate parties characterized by polished silverware and pressed linen napkins, building a reputation as a gracious host.
Tragedy struck in 1977 when Nathalie lost her son, Charles (Chuck), in a car accident. This profound grief led her to forge a new path by opening Back Porch Antiques with her sister Rita Mae. The business became a cherished part of the New Orleans antique scene, helping Nathalie to remain active in her community.
After Bill’s passing in 2004, Nathalie continued her vibrant lifestyle in River Ridge, Louisiana. At the age of 95, she made the move to Houston to be close to her children and grandchildren, transitioning to life at Holly Hall Retirement Community where she was beloved for her charm and lively spirit. She was even honored as the Queen of the Mardi Gras celebration at her residence. Her gumbo recipe gained notoriety when she was featured on the cover of The Buzz Magazine, showcasing her culinary talents that had been passed down to her daughter.
Nathalie is survived by her son, William David Willig Jr. (and wife Judy), daughter Jean Jenner (and husband Rick), and several grandchildren, including Garett, Amy, Leslie, Molly, Charles, and Trey. Additionally, she leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives she positively influenced. The family has expressed gratitude for the caregivers who provided support in Nathalie’s later years.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church in River Ridge, Louisiana. A Funeral Mass will follow at 1:00 pm, with interment scheduled for November 2, 2025, at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Metairie, Louisiana. A future Celebration of Life service is also planned at Holly Hall Retirement Community in Houston, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages reconnecting with an old friend or relative and invites charity donations to Holly Hall Retirement Home or Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Nathalie Rose Willig (née Winter)
- Wikipedia: New Orleans
- NOLA: St. Tammany Property Transfers
- Google Search: Nathalie Rose Willig
- Legacy: William Willig Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mardi Gras
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
