Margaret M. “Megg” (Orefice) Natale, 62, of Bristol, R.I. (formerly of Barrington) passed away Monday, Aug. 5, 2019, at Hope Health Hospice in Providence, R.I. She was born in Providence, daughter of Florence (Fanelli) Orefice of Bristol and the late Michael Angelo Orefice.

Megg was the owner and director of the House of Little People, a preschool and childcare facility in Barrington, R.I., for over 33 years. What began in 1977 as a small business in the basement of her Charles Street home, quickly grew, and in 1985 Megg opened Rhode Island’s first after-school program. Megg’s vision became a model for extended day programs throughout the state.

Eventually, The House of Little People expanded to a facility on Maple Avenue with an enrollment of almost 200 children.

Megg was a leading innovator and advocate for childcare and early childhood education. She believed in the importance of education for young minds while providing a safe, fun, and enriching environment for children after school.

Megg spoke to the children in local schools about anti-bullying, tolerance and diversity. She generously shared her time and knowledge by hosting seminars and conferences throughout the state, promoting the importance of early childhood education and a supportive after-school program within the community.

When Megg was not overseeing her business, she enjoyed traveling, volunteering, and spending time with her family. She delighted in celebrating the cultures of her many friends. Megg had a deep appreciation for the arts, and enjoyed creating crafts from pocketbooks to jewelry; paintings and drawings.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her son, Jordan Natale and his wife, Pamela, of Mansfield, Mass., as well as her brother, Michael Orefice and his wife, Karen, of North Kingstown, R.I. Megg was the aunt of Zachary Orefice and his wife, Jennifer, and Arielle St. Sauveur and her husband, Max. She was the great-aunt of Owen and Ellie Orefice.

A celebration of her life will be held Friday, Aug. 9, 2019, at 11 a.m. at the SMITH FUNERAL and MEMORIAL SERVICES, 8 Schoolhouse Road, Warren, RI. Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours Friday morning from 9 to 11 a.m. Gifts in her memory can be sent to Hope Health Hospice, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI, 02904 or to RI Kids Count, 1 Union St., Providence, RI, 02903. www.wjsmithfh.com