Obituary of Natalia Caroline Wilk

Wilk (nee Woloch), Natalia Caroline

February 1, 1926 - February 22, 2023. Peacefully, surrounded by family at Windsor Regional Hospital (Ouellette Campus) three weeks after celebrating her 97th birthday. We are happy knowing that Mom joins our Dad, +Michael Wilk (2014) with whom she shared a beautiful 67-year marriage and a lifetime of memories. Mom will be missed by her children, Carol Ann (John Towle, +Patrick McDonald), Mary Jane (Gord Peterson) and Michael Joseph. Beloved Baba of grandchildren Mary Lauren Schmidlin (Michael), Caitlin Mollard (Joseph), Talia Morrissey (Jay Zimney), Andrew Peterson, Julie Lauria (Brett), Maxym Wilk (Helen) and Nikola Wilk (Camille). Proud ProBaba to seven great-granddaughters: Delphine May Greiner, Claudia and Isla Schmidlin, Ellia and Davey Mollard, and Natalia (Tilly) and Michaela (Mikey) Lauria. Mom was predeceased by her beloved brother, +Tony Woloch, and sister-in-law, +Yaroslava (Jerry), with whom she spoke daily, sharing family news. Chochi Nettie will also be missed by her niece and godchild, Mary Ann Woloch Vaughn (Howard) and family, and nephews Anthony Woloch (Lola), Joseph Woloch (Debbie) and John Woloch.

As the resident photographers of the Windsor Light Opera Association (now Windsor Light Music Theatre) for over 60 years, Mom helped organize, position, and creatively assist Dad as they photographed the cast individually and collectively for every production. They loved being involved in the organization and looked forward to rehearsals every Monday night, and their first row balcony seats on opening night of every production. Their work is still displayed in the rehearsal hall, a visual history of the organization.

Mom showed her creative talents as a seamstress and textile artist in the many coats and outfits she made for us, often from only a picture we would draw. Nothing was too challenging, and she would even work in leather. We proudly wore her original creations, and they were the envy of all. Mom loved to spend time outside in her garden which produced an abundance of beautiful flowers. The eternal optimist, she was looking forward to planting her flowers this spring, “when she got stronger”. The garden also produced baskets of delicious vegetables. Mom loved to cook and bake, and always looked forward to hosting family gatherings as long as she could. With our support, Mom was grateful that she was able to continue to live independently in the home that she and Dad built, until the very end.

Faith was always important in our family home and Mom and Dad were devoted members of the Ukrainian Catholic community throughout their lives. Mom’s parents (+Joseph and +Mary Woloch) were founding members of the Sts. Vladimir and Olga Ukrainian Catholic parish in Windsor and Mom was one of the first babies baptized after the establishment of the parish. Mom and Dad were also married in the same parish on August 9, 1947, and every wedding anniversary celebration began with attending Mass.

Special thanks to Father Tom Hrywna for his presence and continued spiritual support. He was always there when we called, even blessing Mom on her last birthday, and in her last hour. Our family would also like to give heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caregivers of the ER Department and Palliative Care teams, Windsor Regional Hospital (Ouellette Campus) for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sts. Vladimir and Olga Ukrainian Catholic Church Building Fund.  Donate to the Church Building Fund Here

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023 from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home (Central Chapel), 1700 Tecumseh Rd. E., Windsor, ON (519-253-7234) with Panahyda (Parish prayers) at 8:00 p.m. On Saturday, March 4, 2023, we will celebrate Mom’s life with visitation from 10:00 a.m. at Sts. Vladimir and Olga Ukrainian Catholic Church, 601 Lake Trail Drive, Windsor, ON (519-254-7927) until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery.

The family invites you to share your memories and sign the Book of Condolence at www.windsorchapel.com