13th June 1938 – 5th January 2025
In Loving Memory
Natalie Dimitrievna Belongoff (nee Ryabovitch) was born in Pogranichnaya, China in 1938. She was the eldest daughter to Alexandra Ivanovna Ryabovitch (nee Kravchuk) and cossack Dimitri Mihailovich Ryabovitch.
From 1949 to 1957 Natalie lived in Yimianpo, followed by 8 months of living in Hong Kong before Natalie, her brother Nicholas and mother emigrated to Sydney, Australia via the ship SS Changte arriving on the 3rd of May 1958.
Natalie married Michael Belonogoff on the 18th of October 1959 at St Peter and St Paul Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Strathfield. Natalie & Michael bought an existing local food store in Punchbowl in 1962, which grew and became a well-known Russian Delicatessen. “M&N Belonogoff Delicatessen” served the Russian community with a smile and grace for 43 years until they closed late 2005. Natalie was in the store every day from Monday to Saturday 50 weeks every year. She deeply valued her daily interactions with everyone who visited the store, forming countless lifelong friendships and treasured memories.
A loving mother, cherished grandmother, and devoted wife. Natalie touched the lives of all those whom she met, leaving an indelible impression. She was hard-working, a compassionate figure of strength who never waned in her support of those that she befriended or needed her, and always soldiered on. Natalie had a cheeky sense of humour which endeared her to everyone she encountered.
Natasha had a deep passion for singing and was a proud member of the Soprano section in both the Cabramatta Church Choir and the St. Vladimir Choir. Her talent took her across the country, performing at various venues and showcasing her voice at the annual Folkloric Festival held at the Opera House.
Natalie was celebrated for her exceptional culinary talents, with a diverse repertoire of dishes that brought friends and family together, creating enduring lifelong memories. A woman of strong faith, she instilled her values in her family and led by example.
Natalie’s role as mother and grandmother, was the most important thing to her. This is where she drew her strength and left her legacy. Her love for her two living daughters and four grandsons knew no bounds; she was their greatest supporter and their biggest fan, lighting up their lives with her unwavering affection and encouragement.
Natalie is forever in our hearts and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Eternal memory
