Natalka Eileen Zyla

Natalka is survived by her loving husband, Dave of 38 years; her children, Walter (Karen), Maryann (Bruce), Jeanette (Garth), Kathy (Todd), Iris (Will), and Diane (Pete); 3 step-daughters, Sandy (Jason), Lori (Francis) and Debbie; and her sister, Marie. She also leaves behind 21 grandchildren/step grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren/step-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, all of whom will carry her memory in their hearts forever.

Natalka is predeceased by her parents, Fred and Mary Klufas; her brother-in-law, Ed Nikiforuk; her step-son, David Zyla Jr.; and her step-grandson, Christopher Cummings.

Natalka was born in Radway, AB attended school in Redwater, AB, and moved to a farm south of town where she raised 6 kids and eventually moved into town to begin a new chapter of her life. On the farm, Natalka balanced keeping the farm operating, parenting with the help of her mother-in-law, and working at the local grocery store. In the true sense of her caring and kind nature, she became a personal aid for an elderly, female town resident before she joined the team at the Redwater General Hospital, a place and staff members she held near and dear to her heart. After meeting Dave in 1986, the couple married in October 1988 and initially lived in northeast Edmonton. They ventured on a couple of vacations, she maintained her family and social connections and worked part-time at a dry-cleaners. After a few years of city living, Natalka and Dave bought an acreage east of Ardrossan, built a home and began their life together in a rural setting which was their passion. Her love for gardening and connecting with others led her to a local greenhouse where she found joy working with her hands and sharing her knowledge.

Natalka found fulfillment and happiness as a devout Christian and her and Dave faithfully attended the church in Edmonton where they were married by Dave’s brother-in-law, Alex. She developed many close friendships with the other congregation and extended family members over the years of celebrating, sharing and supporting one another. Natalka was at home here as she could share with others her generosity, patience and endless kindness.

Natalka loved the outdoors, especially the summer months even if it meant mowing the lawn or pruning the poplar trees, but specifically growing a vegetable garden that she could harvest and share with the neighbors. She, like most gardeners, was not a fan of the moths in her cabbage plants, the endless weeds and especially the dandelions. She also found happiness in cooking, baking, sewing, knitting and good conversation over a cup of coffee.

We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the wonderful staff at Rivercrest Care Centre in Fort Saskatchewan, AB who cared for Natalka with dignity and genuine concern as she endured the challenges her body and mind faced with Lewy Body Dementia with Parkinsonism over the past few months.

We find comfort in knowing she is home with her Lord.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026 at the Kingsway Legion (Royal Canadian Legion Br. 175), 14339 – 50 Street, Edmonton, AB. A ceremony will begin at 11:00am followed by a light lunch until 3:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made via cheque to Rivercrest Care Centre in her memory. Their mailing address is 10104-101 Avenue, Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 2A5.