Natalie Helen Zapalski Rzepecki

Natalie Helen Zapalski Rzepecki died November 11, 2015 of causes incident to age. She was the daughter of Polish immigrants who came to the United States at the turn of the 20th century in search of the American dream first in the coals mines of West Virginia and then in the factories of Detroit. Natalie was born on January 6, 1915 in Wheeling, WV.

She met her future husband-a strapping young man from the neighborhood, named Adam Rzepecki- on the streets of Detroit when he offered her and her sisters a ride home. They married in 1935 at the depth of the depression. Natalie joined her husband in the war effort as a real life Rosie the Riveter. After the war, the couple opened a neighborhood grocery store, which they ran for several years. At the close of that business, Natalie became the manager of a high-end jewelry store, catering to the wives and sweethearts of GM executives. She retired at the age of 74 after the death of her husband. She had a happy retirement, first at Henry Ford Village in Dearborn, MI and then at Sunrise in Salt Lake.

Natalie was preceded in death by her sisters Lillian, Virginia, and Adele. She is survived by her children Carol (Jim), Christina, and Rick (Carole); four grandchildren Angela (Chuck), Melissa (Doug), Tim (Debbie), and Raquel; three great grandchildren Strater (Christina), Zachary, and Noah; one great, great granddaughter (Siena); as well as sister Marge and brother Emil (Lillian).

Friends are invited to a celebration of her life on Monday, November 16th from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, where complimentary valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building. A graveside committal will be held on Tuesday, November 24th at 11:00 AM at St. Hedwig Cemetery, 23755 Military Road, Dearborn Heights, MI.