Nataliya Vansovich

Although she was taken from her loved ones much too soon, Nataliya Vansovich was a blessing in the lives of so many around her. She was hardworking and driven with the ability to face everything she did with compassion and empathy. Nataliya lived to please those around her, and she was always looking to help others in ways both great and small. Deeply devoted to her loved ones, she treasured every moment spent with family and friends. Life will never be the same without Nataliya here, but she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

Prior to the 1990s, the people of Belarus were under Soviet control as it wasn’t until July of 1990 that its citizens declared their sovereignty. Presidential elections soon followed, and a new day was born. It was just prior to these monumental changes that Andrei and Liliya (Zhelubovskaya) Vansovich were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as March dawned in Svirany, Belarus. Their wait was finally over when the baby girl they named Nataliya drew her first breath on March 10, 1983. She was the younger of two as she was joined in her family by her brother, Andrei, who was three years old at the time.

From the time she was a young girl Nataliya was a bustle of activity. She was very energetic, family oriented, and loved being near her parents. Nataliya liked music and could often be seen dancing in front of the television. She also liked to play games, which developed vocabulary and creativity. This was largely the reason Nataliya began reading when she was only three. As much as she enjoyed these quieter activities she also enjoyed being outdoors. One of Nataliya’s favorite outdoor activities was to work in her parents’ garden. She attended local schools and also went on to earn her master’s degree in foreign language while living in Belarus. Nataliya was always a strong believer in education and saw it as the pathway to a better life.

New and exciting days were in store for Nataliya when she joined her parents in the United States in 2007. For the rest of her life she viewed the days she got her green card and became a United States citizen to be among the proudest moments and happiest days of her life.

Life was forever changed for Nataliya when she met the man of her dreams. His name was Sean Duross, and they met at a concert at Wings Stadium on August 18, 2007. This was her first job once she arrived in the United States, and they just started talking. They continued getting to know one another through email, and finally they went out for a cup of coffee. Sean fell in love with Nataliya for her bright, light, kind, and warm personality as well as her huge heart. He also loved that she made him laugh, which was one of Nataliya’s specialties. The couple eloped on September 25, 2009.

For the past 10 years Nataliya had been working at Fisher Scientific. She started off as a production worker and then moved to the office to work in international customer service, then was promoted again into a management position. This was a great fit for Nataliya as she had a strong work ethic, warm personality and attention to detail. The job was complicated and demanding much of the time, and it was not uncommon for her to stay at work long after the typical work day just so that she could get the job done right.

As someone who preferred to be busy and on the move, Nataliya was a woman of many interests. With a love for animals she volunteered with the SPCA shelter. Naturally, pets became a part of their home as they currently have three adopted dogs and two adopted cats. Nataliya doted over her pets and spoiled them, too, as she gave them the best spots on the bed and couch. She liked gardening, and as an outdoor lover she liked fishing with her father. Nataliya loved being outdoors, taking in the peace and solitude of nature. She liked traveling, and while living in Belarus she had traveled extensively throughout Europe. Currently, Nataliya was planning a trip to Europe during the upcoming summer when she would make her way to Belarus to see old friends and relatives. She liked reading various business books that would further her education and career.

All who knew Nataliya would agree that she was extraordinary. She always put others ahead of herself and wanted everyone to love life as much as she did. Family remained a cornerstone of her life, and she was very close to her parents and brother. Nataliya could always find the best in everyone, and no matter what came her way she faced it head on and remained positive. She taught those around her so many things including how to take risks and face fears head on. Wanting the best for her loved ones, Nataliya encouraged her mother to get her degree from Western, and she was so proud of her mother when she did.

When reflecting on the life of Nataliya Vansovich, it is easy to see her kind, genuine, and gracious heart. She loved making others laugh and smile, and her patience and perseverance never ran dry. There was no greater gift in Nataliya’s life than her family, and she taught others so much about what it means to truly love others. No matter what came her way, she found the beauty in even the simplest of things. Dearly loved, Nataliya will be forever missed.

Nataliya Vansovich died on Monday, January 21, 2019. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Tuesday (Jan. 29) at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. Visitation will begin an hour prior. Following the mass, food and fellowship will be shared in the church hall. Nataliya will be taken back to Belarus to be buried in the Narotch Cemetery. She is survived by her husband, Sean Duross; parents, Andrei and Liliya Vansovich, and her brother, Andrei Vansovich. Please visit Nataliya’s personal memory page at www.BetzlerFuneralHome.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo of her and sign her online guestbook. Arrangements by Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive; Kalamazoo 269-375-2900.