Natalie Hayman peacefully departed her life of 84 years on September 15th in St. Albert. She was cared for to the end by her loving husband, John of 57 years and son, Jeff. Despite the ravages of Dementia, she retained her playful and engaging character, often dancing with the staff at her retirement home.
Natalie was a selfless hard worker who doted on her family and asked little in return. Born in Rycroft, Alberta in 1936 to Ukrainian immigrant parents, John and Mary Diakun, her beginnings were meager. Brother, Alex is the last living sibling, with Mike and Anne passing before her. Through hard work and resourcefulness, the family slowly created a better life and moved to Edmonton where Natalie remained for the rest of her life.
By chance, a young John Hayman approached Natalie at a dance around Quesnel, B.C. where she was assisting her sister, Anne with the birth of her first child. John followed Natalie as she moved from Quesnel to Chilliwack and back to Edmonton, all the while picking up odd jobs at lumber mills, pipe construction, rail yards and staying at rooming houses. Natalie too would take on a number of jobs such as bookkeeping and picking Hops and Fruits. Around 10 years after they first met, John proposed after landing a stable position at General Electric and Natalie at the Charles Camsell Hospital. In 1963 they became husband and wife.
This tag team would create their first and only child, Jeffery in 1967 and by 1975, John would start his business with Natalie by his side managing the books and customer service. Her playful demeanor and ardent work ethic played a key role in the success of the business. All this while managing a house and raising a child was no small feat. Life was busy but Natalie would take the time every week or two to dress in her Sunday finest and take the bus to get her hair done. She loved to chat with the hair stylists and learn about the lives of others.
Around the age of 40, John became diabetic. From that day forward, Natalie’s mission was to keep her husband healthy. Under her watch an irritated John had little room to stray and she could be credited to a large degree for his long life. The family business thrived, and life was pretty good. Natalie enjoyed many fantastic vacations to distant locations around the world. Entertaining friends, dining out, a growing boy, and a growing wardrobe, were all great. In 1985 the family moved from north Edmonton to St. Albert. 1990 would see her son, Jeff marry Iris Diachuk, and in 1993 Natalie and John would retire while Jeff continued with the family business.
Natalie’s retired life was filled with golf, trips to Palm Springs, and lots of time with good friends and family. She was presented with granddaughter, Payton in 2005 which made her very happy.
Life would take a difficult turn in 2009 when Natalie started her battle with Anxiety and Depression and later Dementia. Through this time, she retained her dignity and sense of humor. She was surrounded by a loving family and made the most out of what she had. In the end she will remain a bright light in all the lives she touched.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Craig Smith and the wonderful staff at the St. Albert Retirement Residence. Your genuine care and compassion for Natalie through her most difficult time was exemplary. You are all heroes in our eyes, and we are forever grateful.
A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, September 23 at 3:30 p.m. at the Northern Lights Cemetery, 15203 Campbell Rd NW, Edmonton. Due to Covid-19 restrictions a private Celebration of Life will be held.
Should you wish to offer a donation in memory of Natalie they may be made to the Stollery Children’s Hospital, secure.stollerykids.com/
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Natalie Hayman 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta