Natalie Marofke (nee Vollmer)

Born on the family farm in the German-speaking village of Mathildendorf, Bessarabia, Romania, Natalie was the eldest daughter of seven children of Lydia (Giessler) and Rudolf Vollmer. At an early age, she learned the value of hard work and self-sufficiency. Natalie helped with chores on the farm, and also became a skilled seamstress and craftsperson, able to sew and knit clothes, embroider garments, pillow cases and tablecloths, even going so far as to weave the necessary fabric for her creations.

During WWII, while Natalie’s two older brothers fought (and died) on the Russian front, Natalie, barely in her teens, was burdened with great responsibilities. Twice her family was forced to flee from invaders. As the gunfire of artillery drew nearer to their farm, Natalie was charged with commanding a team of horses and wagons filled with the family’s remaining possessions as they traversed war torn villages, barns and countryside to safer places; first to Poland, and later to the German homeland.

When the war ended in 1945, Natalie met and fell in love with Hans Ulrich Marofke. They married in 1948 and remained so until 2007 when Hans passed away at age 85.

Together, Natalie and Hans built a family with 3 children. The first, Heidemarie, was born in Duisburg, Germany. In a modest apartment provided by the factory where Hans worked as a millwright, Natalie stayed home with little Heidi. It was a happy time, and on their days off, Natalie delighted in packing picnic lunches for frequent family bicycle rides through the German countryside.

Following their immigration to Canada in 1958, Natalie and Hans worked hard, saving enough by 1960 to build their first house themselves by hand in the Calgary community of Brentwood. Manfred and Brita were born soon after.

With limited English, Natalie first worked as a housekeeper at the York Hotel. To make ends meet, Natalie also sold Fullerbrush door-to-door in her spare time. Later, Natalie found good work as a maternity ward aide at the Calgary General Hospital where she retired after 19 years of service. Along the way Natalie made many friends.

The home that Natalie oversaw for her children and grandchildren was filled with love and laughter, not to mention delicious European home cooking and baking! Music was integral to their lives. Natalie’s voice was a clear mezzo-soprano, and on Sundays her children listened as Natalie and Hans sang in the St. Matthew Lutheran Church choir. Natalie loved nature and gardening, taking pride in the display of her flowers. She had a strong, and often spontaneous, sense of adventure, always quick to pack lunch for a jaunt to Radium Hot Springs. She loved travelling and enjoyed the many trips made to Fernie, BC and the Turks and Caicos Islands to visit the homes of daughters Heidi and Brita.

Above it all, and throughout all the years of Natalie’s good and long life, she lovingly created and maintained for her family many lasting traditions and memories which will be fondly carried through generations. Her songs will be with us forever.

Natalie is survived by her 3 children, Heidemarie Fassnidge (Brian), Manfred Marofke (Linda), and Brita Muck (Jeff); 5 grandchildren, Christoper Fassnidge (Cristine), Sonja Donahue (Jay), Stephen Marofke (Lindsey), Adam Marofke (Jessica) and Taylor Muck; and 7 great grandchildren, Nicholas Donahue, Rebecca Donahue, Emily Donahue, Hans Fassnidge, Benjamin Marofke, Matilda Marofke, and Theo Marofke. Natalie is also survived by her youngest sibling, Renate Ahner of Olds, Alberta. Natalie was predeceased by her husband Hans, five of her siblings, and great-granddaughter Greta Marofke.

Our special thanks go to the staff at Bethany for the loving care Natalie received during her time there. In particular, our gratitude goes to her caregiver and last best friend, Ruellen Forsyth-Nicholson of SOS Supportive Services.

A Memorial Service will be held in the Spring/Summer of 2023. The service will be announced at a later date.