Last updated on: December 24, 2025
Natalie Nichols is the maternal grandmother of professional wrestling legend and actor, John Cena. She comes from his mother’s lineage. Although she lived a private life, her life story is an integral part of John Cena’s ancestry. Going back in her ancestry, there is rich American heritage in her lineage.
Quick Facts About Natalie Nichols
| Full Name | Natalie Nichols |
| Married Name | Natalie Nichols Lupien |
| Birthdate | 15 May 1918 |
| Death | 8 May 1953 |
| Age | 34 (at the time of death) |
| Occupation | Homemaker |
| Husband | Tony Lupien |
| Marriage Date | October 14, 1939 |
| Education | N/A |
| Parents | Charles Nichols; Julia Ellen Skelton (also known as Julie or Helena) |
| Siblings | Not known |
| Children | Carol Frances Lupien |
| Grandchildren | John Cena, Sean Cena, Matt Cena, Steve Cena, Dan Cena |
| Net worth | <$1 million |
Early Life
Natalie Nichols was born in 1918, in the United States of America. Natalie grew up in a time of significant change. The nation came out of World War I and entered a modern era. Although times were tough, there existed powerful values and strong family connections.
Natalie was born and brought up in a family with deep American roots. Her background was marked by the influence of tradition and the family connections that came with it. Such values were passed from one generation to the other.
Parents & Family Background
Natalie was the daughter of Charles Nichols and Julia Ellen Skelton.
Nichols, Charles
Born c 1884. Died 1951.
Julia Ellen Skelton is also known as Julie or Helena in some of her family documents.
The history of her genealogy stretches back in history by hundreds of years. Her ancestors go back as early as the 1600s in the state of Massachusetts. Her ancestors were part of the early settlers of Colonial America. Thus, Natalie has strong English colonial roots.
Some of the distant relations include some surname variations, such as Edith St. Clair, reflected in old records. These relations indicate the extensive involvement of her family in American society.
Marriage to Tony Lupien
Natalie Nichols married Ulysses John “Tony” Lupien Jr. on October 14,1939. Tony Lupien was a professional baseball player. However, later in life, he became a baseball coach. He was also famous for his origin as a French-Canadian.
The couple came from two differing backgrounds. Natalie had English colonial lineage. Tony had French Canadian lineage. The couple made a mixed family history.
In later life, they moved to locations like Vermont and raised their family. However, while Tony led a very public life in professional sports, Natalie kept a very low profile.
Motherhood and Family Role
Natalie Nichols Lupien was the mother of Carol Frances Lupien. Carol would later become the mother of John Cena.
Natalie is, therefore, John Cena’s maternal grandmother. Natalie is the source through whom John Cena acquired some of his American and English lineage. However, this family line is different from the Italian family line that he acquired from his father.
Natalie’s role within her own family was significant, even if it was a semi-private affair. She contributed towards shaping a generation that predated John Cena.
READ ALSO: John Cena Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
Early Death
Natalie Nichols died in 1953. Natalie Nichols was still in her mid-30s at the time of her death. Her life was cut short because of her early demise.
However, Natalie never got to meet this celebrated grandchild. Natalie passed away before John Cena, the wrestling superstar, actor, and public figure, took the world by storm. The story of Natalie, as stated, has been passed down in family records and other genealogy archives.
Her Role in John Cena’s Family History
Although fame hadn’t entered the family yet, Natalie Nichols occupies a special place within the story of John Cena. This woman symbolizes the root of the maternal lineage.
His American roots run deep because of her background. Different cultures and histories blend together in creating this single family.
Lasting Legacy
Natalie Nichols may not be a household name, but her legacy lives on. The legacy lives through her daughter, her grandson, and the generations that come through them. “Behind every famous name, there is a family history full of quiet lives, deep roots, and untold stories,” she reminds us.
