Natalie Gayle Novosad Stafford

We, Natalie's family, are happy that you have come to viist this memorial site that has been prepared to keep Natalie's stories and memories alive. We have tried to capture the fun-loving spirit and amazing personality that Natalie shared with the world in the stories and pictures that you will find on this site. She lived a lot in a short life--she packed it full by trying new things such as sky-diving and bungy-jumping and traveling to places such as Aruba, Cancun and the Bahamas. We miss her more every day as new memories are now being made but without her here to enjoy them. If you would like to add to this everlasting memorial for Natalie, you can do so by writing your memories and 'Natalie stories' on her guest book. This can be accessed by clicking on "Special Links" which will lead to "Dignity Memorial". One more click on that link and you will be on The Kingwood Funeral Home where the guest book is permanently displayed. Thank you all for visiting and remembering -- we will never forget the joy of Natalie's life.

The Family of Natalie Novosad Stafford

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MISSED (Since you've been gone...)

You have missed the miracle of Max--

....he speaks English and German at the tender age of 2

You have missed the "grown up" Erika--

....she's turned sweet sixteen and is learning to drive

You have missed the beauty and drama of Jerry's new home--

....rebuilt in Pin Oak since the devastating Labor Day wildfires

You have missed dad's delicious dinners--

....and he has missed your "Thanks, Dad. That was delicious!"

You have missed the new season of American Idol--

....you would love Colton and want He June gone!

You are missing the Astros spring training--

...They are actually winning more than losing.

You missed the beauty of the pool's new tile and turtle mosaics--

....The turtles are in your memory as you are the "savior" of slow turtles crossing Hamblen Road

You have missed seeing the new slimmer me--

...I have lost 57 pounds (you are my motivation!)

You have missed the great show of love and support your death created--

...amazing to know that so many people remember and care so deeply.

You have missed seeing Neal's new kitchen--

...you would love the updates and be proud of his craftsmanship (yes, he did it all himself!)

But no matter what you have missed....we have missed MORE. We have missed you, our wonderful, laughing, smiling, wise-cracking, funny daughter. But--we will always remember you and continue to pray for you and for us daily.

WHAT WE ARE MISSING IS NOW HEAVEN'S GAIN.

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Here is a list of Natalie's Favorites: (random order!)

1. Sleeping late on weekends (is it noon yet??)

2. Margaritas and Miller Lite

3. Dad's home cooking

4. Comfy casual clothes

5. Honest, trustworthy, and loyal friends

6. Playing dominos (especially with her grandmother!)

7. Going to Minute Maid Park (Root, Root, Root for those Astros)

8. HGTV and the Game Show Network

9. Hanging in the pool with Mom (can't ever get too much sun!)

10. Magic Kitty and Graycee (cats she adored)

11.Sky Diving

12. Niece Erika and Nephew Max (so proud to be their aunt)

13. Brother Neal's advice (which she sometimes listened to!)

14. 104 FM -- Roula and Ryan's Morning Show

15. Blackberry Smart Phone

16. Family Holiday Gatherings

17. Blow pops and frosted animal crackers

18. Word games and crossword puzzles

19. Diet Dr. Pepper with LOTS of ice

And now a few things she didn't like so much!

1. Shopping at the big malls

2. Liars and Slackers

3. Getting up early

4. MONDAYS

5. Basketball (only watched the last 2 minutes of games!)

6. Breakfast (ugh)

7. Going back out after arriving home from work

8. Houston traffic

9. Cold weather (where's the heated throw??)

10. People who abused children

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Natalie Novosad Stafford entered this world on December 3, 1969, in Austin, Texas. Except for a few years in South Carolina and another brief stint in Florida, Natalie was a Texan and proud of it. Her life ended suddenly on April 15, 2011, in Kingwood, Texas. She was preceded in death by all of her grandparents including Frank and Lillian Krchnak as well as

Frank and Elsie Novosad. She is survived by her loving parents, Frank and Glory Novosad of Kingwood, Texas; her brother, Neal Novosad (Alpine, Texas) and her niece Erika Novosad and nephew Max Novosad-Lange. Natalie also left behind many aunts, uncles, and cousins and scores of grieving friends and co-workers. All who knew and cared for Natalie will remember a smile that could light up a room and a heart as big as Texas.

Natalie was a talented athlete known for her softball skills and a dedicated student who made the Dean's list. She graduated from Kingwood High School in Kingwood, Texas (1988) and then attended Southwest Texas State in San Marcos, Texas where she was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority. She eventually transferred to the University of Houston where she received her BS in Hotel Restaurant Management in 1993. After a failed seven year marriage, she moved on with her career in Commercial Property Management in Orlando, Florida and then back in Houston. At the time of her death, she was employed by Shorenstein Realty Services at Five Post Oak Park in Houston, Texas, as assistant property manager.

Natalie was an avid Houston Astros Fan and loved watching them on television or at Minute Maid. She enjoyed them whether they won or lost and called them "her boys". The night before her death she and her mom reveled in a 1-0 victory over the Padres. Natalie also tried the extreme sport of skydiving recently along with her brother; she loved it and wanted to go again. Her spirit and her memories are what will keep her loved ones comforted for the rest of their lives.

The honor of being a pallbearer for Natalie was given to her brother Neal Novosad; her co-worker and close friend, Jim Hill; her cousins, Scott Krchnak, Kent Krchnak and Chris Urban; her uncle, Jerry Krchnak, and her friend, Daniel DuBose. Funeral services included a visitation at Kingwood Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 19, and a funeral mass at St. Martha Catholic Church at one p.m., Wednesday, April 20. The mourners gathered one last time at Rosewood Cemetery, Humble to lay Natalie Stafford down for eternal rest. May she sleep in the peace of Christ.