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NATALIE DOBROWOLSKI Obituary pic

NATALIE DOBROWOLSKI

Born: Jun 08, 1938

Date of Passing: Nov 07, 2013

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NATALIE DOBROWOLSKI June 8, 1938 - November 7, 2013. Less than two weeks after the passing of her husband of 48 years, Alex Dobrowolski, Natalie departed this earth to be with him in heaven. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and leaves to cherish her memory their children and grandchildren: Kristin (Robert), Brandon and Matthew Early of Dallas, Texas; Peter (Laura), Jennifer, Julia and Anna Dobrowolski of Toronto, ON; Andrew (Kate) Dobrowolski of Anola, MB; and Michael Dobrowolski of Winnipeg. Natalie was born in the Brooklands area of Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Ukrainian immigrants Harry and Anna Klymkiw. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Walter, and brother-in-law John. Left to mourn her passing are her brothers Bohdan Klymkiw (Josie) and Julian Klymkiw (Joan), sisters-in-law Mary Klymkiw and Alice Dobbs, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Natalie graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Double Honours degree in Slavic Studies and Political Science. She went on to do graduate work and studied French and Russian at the Sorbonne in Paris. She worked with the National Research Council in Ottawa upon graduation. She returned to Winnipeg to marry Alex and start a family. The ensuing years were filled with activities for their four children who were all busy with sports, music and Ukrainian cultural activities like dance and choir. Natalie was a life-long member of the Ukrainian National Federation, participating in various positions of the organization. In 1986 Natalie accepted a job with the Salvation Army, later becoming the Executive Director of their Community Venture program which provides a full spectrum of services to individuals requiring services under Community Living disAbility Services. Community Venture was more than a job to her, it was her passion. Even after her ALS diagnosis she continued the work she loved and celebrated her 25th anniversary with Community Venture last year. The past 15 years were filled with the joys of her grandchildren whom she visited often in Toronto and Dallas. Natalie bravely battled ALS for several years and the family asks that in lieu of flowers, people make donations to the ALS Society of Canada, ALS Canada, 3000 Steeles Avenue, Suite 200, Markham, ON L3R 4T9 905-248-2052. www.als.ca A celebration of her life will take place on Wednesday, November 27 at 12:00 p.m. at Springs Church, 595 Lagimodiere Blvd., Winnipeg, Canada.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 16, 2013

Condolences & Memories (18 entries)

  • Natalie was a determined person to help anyone anywhere. We will always remember spending two weeks in Uganda, Africa, with Natalie and group of people from Springs Church helping build a school and working at orphanage at Wototo in Uganda, Africa. Her compassion and love for the babies was very evident as she cared for them. You will be missed - Posted by: Malcolm and Darlene Dean (Friends) on: Dec 28, 2013

  • Michael, Andrew, Peter, and Kristin - very sorry I could not make your mom's funeral due to weather and conflicting travel requirements. As you know we worked closely for two decades, and she was one of the most important mentors and examples in my career as well as a constant source of support both personally and professionally. She will be remembered for her impact upon the lives of a great many people with disabilities, and for her staunch support of the direct service workers who meant so much to her. You have all been much in my thoughts this past month and I share in your loss even while celebrating your mom's life and being glad that her grandchildren got to know her as well as they did. - Posted by: Courtney Welch (Longtime co-worker and friend) on: Nov 29, 2013

  • rest in peace and i will see you again in heaven when i get there. i will miss you so much. the cv south is doing our christmas tea this year in the memories of you natalie. we will miss not seeing your beautiful smile when you come to cv south to visit us - Posted by: bruce robin oliver (friend) on: Nov 28, 2013

  • I can't think about Natalie without remembering what a warm, caring, competent woman she was and how positive she made so many people feel. I did not know 28 years ago when Vina Clarke, Kirsti Kuuskivi and I started Community Venture, what I know now. I am privileged to have known Natalie. She loved her family dearly and shared her life unselfishly with many. Rest in peace my dear friend. You will be forever in our hearts. - Posted by: Antoinette Zloty (Friend and colleague) on: Nov 27, 2013

  • My deepest sympathy to family of Natalka. Natalka made the summer of'62 in Winnipeg fun for the "kursanty" and so memorable. We will remember her warmth, generosity, kindness and welcoming smile. Vichnaya pamyat. - Posted by: Oksana Kuryliw (friend) on: Nov 21, 2013

  • Saddened to read of Natalie's passing. I knew her in the 60's and early 70's when she and her brother, (Walter), and her sister-in-law, Mary, were involved with bringing to Winnipeg various artists from Ukraine. I was manager of the Co-op Bookshop on north Main Street and in addition to Ukrainian artists, we sponsored various other folk concerts (Pete Seeger, Carlos Montoya, Theodore Bikel, etc.). Natalie was a very pleasant person and will long be remembered. Floyd Williston - Posted by: floyd williston (friend) on: Nov 19, 2013

  • what an honor to know such wonderful people all these years. love and will miss u very much. as natalie said to us it felt like we were family, yes indeed it did - Posted by: harry and ellen williams (tenants for 19 years) on: Nov 17, 2013

  • Our deepest condolences to the children of Natalie and Alex. We were very fortunate to have known Natalie and Alex and will miss their friendship. - Posted by: John and Gloria Andersson (friends) on: Nov 17, 2013

  • Natalie always had a positive outlook on life. I remembering being at Rusalka Beach talking to her about various things in life. This woman was an inspiration to all. Her motto was to always be kind to others and accept everyone as is which she did. She will always be remembered for this and other things. Another angel has entered heaven. - Posted by: Joanne Sarakula (nee Hrycak) (Family Friend) on: Nov 17, 2013

  • Gone much too soon...Natalie still had so very much living to do! She was a dynamo in the Ukrainian community...I recall many events where we worked alongside each other. She always involved herself completely in her commitments. She will be sorrowfully missed. My deepest condolences to her children and grandchildren who lost their Baba and Dyido within days of each other...so very sad! May they both have a peaceful repose. Thinking of the Klymkiw and Harasym families as well in this loss. - Posted by: Helen Feniuk (Sorority sister and friend) on: Nov 16, 2013

  • Mrs. D was a beautiful, energetic and compassionate person who welcomed me into her family like one of her own children. I remember a visit where she had especially bought and baked authentic poppyseed loaf and bread knowing that I loved it. She just had a sparkle and strength to her that is indescribable but that you can see in each of her children. I am so sorry to see both Mrs. & Mr. D leave us. Their legacy is immense and they will not be forgotten. Much love to Krissy and family - my heart is with you. - Posted by: lynda brown (friend and admirer) on: Nov 16, 2013

  • Natalie was a great lady and a good friend. We will miss you dearly. We know you are in a better place now. Rest in peace - Posted by: Jose, Graciete Correia and family (good friends) on: Nov 16, 2013

  • I was at the program where she was working and I knew her for a long time and I always talked to her. - Posted by: Roberta Sage (New her for a long time) on: Nov 16, 2013

  • I was honored to have Natalie take over the Community Venture Program initiated by myself and my colleagues (Antoinette Zloty and Vina Clarke). The program was a last resort for individuals with a mental disability who were not accepted into any other existing day programs. She was a passionate, compassionate, positive and committed individual who will be missed by all who knew her. - Posted by: Kirsti Kuuskivi () on: Nov 16, 2013

  • Natalie was a fearless leader and a tireless advocate for people with intellectual disabilities. I very much appreciated her good humour, her ideas, her friendship and her support. She was one of my heroes and I will miss her. - Posted by: Terry E. Cheater (a friend) on: Nov 16, 2013

  • My prayers go out to the family of a beautiful mother and grandmother and friend Natalie, God bless you Natalie, you will not be forgotten. I will do the song Amazing Grace to the loving memories, to you Natalie - Posted by: bruce robin oliver (friend from cv south) on: Nov 16, 2013

  • i will miss not seeing her smile and we will see her again in heaven when we get there. - Posted by: bruceoliver (friend from cv south) on: Nov 16, 2013

  • Natalie was a fearless leader and a tireless advocate for people with intellectual disabilities. I very much appreciated her good humour, her ideas, her friendship and her support. She was one of my heroes and I will miss her. - Posted by: Terry E. Cheater (a friend) on: Nov 16, 2013

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