In Celebration of

Natalie Soja

January 25, 1945 -  September 26, 2020


It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved mother Natalie Soja on September 26, 2020. Mother to Marc (wife Kathy) and Daniel (wife Sarah), Grandmother (Babi) to Adam, Walter, Maks and George and sister to Wally and good friend and confidant to many. Natalie is predeceased by her husband Walter. Natalie was active in the Ukrainian community of Toronto and had a long career as a teacher in the Catholic district school board. Natalie’s love of teaching continued until the end of her life believing that all children deserve a solid foundation to start their lives regardless of where they start from. She will be missed by the many students and teaching colleagues she shared her journey with.

Our Mom’s caring and positive spirit will be forever held in our hearts. With a radiating smile and kind heart, Natalie was quick with a smile and exuded a welcoming glow. Natalie had a great life attributed to her simple and effective approaches of never letting life’s inevitable problems become overwhelming, recognizing and brushing off issues that really don’t matter and trying to see and celebrate the best in everyone, especially family members.

We will miss our Mom’s love of gardening and her beautiful assortments of flowers and vegetables that brought a smile to your face and instant calm. We will never again taste the incredible Borsch, cabbage rolls and Verenreky, that we took for granted these many years. Most of all we will miss our Mom’s unconditional love and support that she demonstrated to her friends and family throughout her life.

Due to the current COVID environment, a private visitation will be held at Turner and Porter on Thursday October 1, 2020 for immediate family only. A FaceBook Live session is tentatively scheduled for 9:30am ET to allow for friends and family to express their condolences and share memories with the family. Details will be posted shortly.

A funeral mass will follow at St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral at 10:45am. Attendance is limited, so please contact sdimuro@yahoo.com if you wish to attend in person. We ask for your understanding during this difficult time, as we may not be able to accommodate everyone in person at the church.

The family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (Canada) https://www.hopeforchildren.ca/

Guestbook 

(5 of 12)

Bert and Laima Moorby (friends)

Entered September 28, 2020

Bert and I will miss our friend Natalie.
She was a joy to be with.
She was kind ,generous, a talented artist, a gracious hostess and a wonderful friend.
You will miss you.

Linda Thomas (co-worker of Wally's)

Entered September 29, 2020 from Mississauga

My condolences to your family, it was too sudden. Sending my prayers.

Nadia and Michael Pelensky and Family (Lifelong friend)

Entered September 29, 2020 from Toronto

Natalie has been a close and dear friend for over 40 years. We met @ Holy Family School in Bolton in 1978 as educators in DPSSB. Over the years we kept in touch as we both led very active and busy lives with our families and our profession. Natalie and I reconnected once again after we both retired from teaching. We exchanged our life’s stories about our children, spouses, students, family and colleagues. We met often for brief lunches, dinners and many coffees during the time that her dear Wally was ailing. She needed support and a friend to spend time with her as she stood by Wally right up to the end. I am pleased to say that I encouraged her to come out during those difficult days when her hope was running out as she lost her loving friend and husband. Natalie and I were planning to attend “Come Away” after the pandemic. I will miss our frequent rendezvous with pizza and the glass of wine which we always shared. We always saluted to a wonderful life, to each other’s health and to a life long friendship. Now I am left with fond memories and loving thoughts of Natalie. I will miss you Natalie!
Vichnaya Pamyiat, Natalie!

Dr. Mary Kudrac (friend)

Entered September 30, 2020 from Belleville

Deepest condolences on the passing of a lovely lady.
May God help you at this very sad time.

Oksana Stowbunenko (second cousin (daughter of Natalie's first cousin))

Entered September 30, 2020 from Baltimore, Maryland, USA

Talia (as she was known in family circles) was always full of energy, in constant motion, taking care of everyone. She was the consummate hostess, home and hearth open for family and friends (so many friends!), and was so proud of her two sons, the apples of her eye! She was a mother hen to all. One of my favorite memories was of her taking me shopping for Ukrainian ceramics in Toronto. After I picked out a few pieces, she insisted on getting those for me and picked out a few more (she had impeccable taste!). Talia was a formidable force, greatly loved, and will be greatly missed.

Photos 

(5 of 18)

Natalie and grandson Walter, Niagara on The Lake September 2020 Always ready for a party. August 2020 Natalie and Her Brother Growing Up. Her Date: Walter Soja Natalie center in Germany before immigrating to Canada
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