Natalie Timpson Obituary

On Friday, May 23, 2025, the standard bearer of joy in our family, Natalie Denninghoff Timpson passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones after a long dance with cancer.
Natalie was born on November 29, 1969 to parents George and Paula Denninghoff. Natalie and two of her siblings – George & Rochelle – were raised by her mom and stepfather, Paula and Richard Garcia with the support of Paula's sisters and parents. They taught her the values of faith, love, and hard work.
Natalie attended Santa Ana High School where she was a multisport athlete competing in Swimming, Water Polo, Tennis, and Gymnastics before transferring to Saddleback High School. She earned her High school Diploma in 1992.
In the early 1990's, Natalie became active in youth ministry at St Cecilia's Parish in Tustin, CA. Her vibrant personality, natural charisma, and joyful perspective on life allowed her to share her faith openly with others and in turn made it easy for others to confide in her. As she deepened her faith, Natalie developed a strong commitment to social justice. This became the bedrock for her accomplishments later in life.
During this time, Natalie met the love of her life, Corey Timpson. Corey and Natalie married on April 12, 1997. In 2003, they moved to Lake Elsinore in order to buy a home and establish a family. Their dream was realized In 2007 when they adopted two siblings Samantha Summer (4) and Jonathan Winter (2).
Natalie's higher education began at Santa Ana College where she earned her Associates Degree in 2001. She would go on to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Communication & Journalism at California State University Fullerton in 2004 and her Master of Science in Counseling & Student Development in Higher Education with a concentration in Community Colleges from California State University Long Beach in 2012.
Natalie worked in student services in the Community College System for 24 years. She began her career by following in her mother's footsteps as an outreach and enrollment specialist at Santiago Canyon College. She soon transferred to the financial aid office at SCC before moving to Golden West College (GWC) to become Director of the EOPS Department. During her 10 years at GWC Natalie expanded services to support low income, foster, single mothers, and other vulnerable students to attain their educational goals. She championed the creation of Umoja on campus. Umoja is dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of African American and other students. Natalie also served as an officer in CDMA, the college district association representing managers.
Natalie reconnected later in life with her father George, step-mother Stephanie and sisters Heather and Holly. They became closer in recent years and enjoyed traveling, talking and just being together
Natalie is survived by her husband Corey, married son Jonathan (Bella), daughter Summer, parents Paula and Richard Garcia, George and Stephanie Denninghoff, married siblings George (Jennifer), Heather (Jamey), Holly (Andy), and Rochelle (Rueben) and her many nieces and nephews.
In her all too short 55 years, Natalie lived a life overflowing with hope, love, and joy. Her kindness, laughter and unforgettable hugs will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.
Services
Please join us as we honor Natalie's incredible life and legacy on Monday, June 23rd with services at St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church, 21591 Lemon Street, Wildomar, CA 92595. Streaming video will be available, please contact a family member for more information. Our day of celebration will include:
Rosary: 9:15 AM
Funeral Mass: 10:00 AM
Celebration of Life: 11:00 AM
Luncheon Reception to follow at Ponte Winery in Temecula
Please dress for a celebration, Natalie has requested no black suits or dresses. She wants COLOR!
In Lieu of Flowers
In Lieu of Flowers, to continue Natalie's legacy of compassion and advocacy, the family has established The Natalie Timpson Memorial Fund. This fund will create three endowed scholarships each year for students close to Natalie's heart:
*EOPS/CARE Students – Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) and Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) offer comprehensive academic and support services to students who face socio-economic and educational barriers.
*Puente Program- Seeks to increase the number of first-generation college students, many from Latinx backgrounds, who enroll in 4 year colleges, earn degrees, and return to their communities as leaders.
*Umoja Community – A community and critical resource for African American and other students that supports academic success, community building, cultural affirmation, and leadership development.
In addition to these scholarships, memorial funds will help create a lasting tribute on the GWC campus, where Natalie spent many meaningful years serving students. The Natalie Timpson Memorial Fund contributions can be made by clicking on this link: https://www.gwchbfoundation.com/ways-to-give/scholarship-donation-form
1. Choose your preferred amount
2. Under designation select "Other" and type "Natalie Timpson Memorial" in the text box.
3. Complete the rest of the form.
Our goal is to raise $30,000 to honor Natalie's Legacy at Golden West College. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
We look forward to you celebrating Natalie with us on June 23rd whether that be here in Lake Elsinore or wherever you may be!