Natalie Elizabeth Madala

Natalie (born Natalia) Elizabeth Nykolyshyn,

was born on November 14, 1940, in Nipawin, a small town in Saskatchewan, Canada. 

She emigrated to the United States after graduating from The Royal Alexandra school of nursing in 1962. 

 She took a job at the County Hospital in Tulare California and lived on-site at the nursing residence. It was at this hospital, where she met the love of her life, Richard Madala. He was a premed student, working as an orderly on the weekends. Natalie and Richard were equally enamored, and in 1966 they married. 

 They had a short-lived but happy life together, welcoming a son, Richard Jr in 1967 and daughter, Lisa in 1969. In 1971 Richard Sr. was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and passed away in 1976. He was 34 years old. Richard Jr was 8 and Lisa 7. 

 The County Hospital closed in 1980, and from there Natalie went to work at Tulare District Hospital where she worked for many years in labor and delivery as well as the PACU. She made many life-long friends at the hospital and was greatly appreciated by the patients she cared for. She finally retired, for the 3rd time, in her 70’s, after 51 years of nursing. 

 Natalie loved to travel. She had been to well over 150 different countries. Her favorite places to travel were Israel and Africa. She also went on 14 different missions, mostly medical, and she was most proud of the work she accomplished on these missions. 

 Natalie was a devout Christian, since being saved at the age of 11, by the Salvation Army Church. Natalie loved going to church and singing all the hymns. She often spoke of her love for the Lord and how His Love gave her the strength to carry on after so many hardships, like the loss of her beloved husband and her chronic kidney disease. 

Natalie is survived by her children, Richard and Lisa. And her grandson, Augustine. 

 Our thanks to Davita Dialysis and especially Dr Adapa, for your years of kindness and compassion. 

In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the Salvation Army or the National Kidney Foundation. 

Services in care of Hadley Marcom Funeral Chapel.