In Memory of

Nadejda

"Natka"

Eshcoff

Obituary for Nadejda "Natka" Eshcoff

Nadejda "Natka" Eshcoff, passed from this life on December 6, 2023 (the feast of St. Nicholas) at the age of 97. Natka was born on July 8, 1926 in Detroit, MI. She was the daughter of Nicola Panoff and Dana Simbowa, who immigrated to the United States from Breznista, Macedonia. Natka was the oldest of three children who were born to Nick and Dana. Natka met her husband, Robert "Bobby" Eshcoff at a Macedonia Patriotic Organization (MPO) youth tournament. Both of Bobby's parents had also immigrated from Macedonia. Bobby and Natka were married on May 7,1950 at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Fort Wayne. Like many young Macedonian couples, Bobby and Naka lived with his parents during the first year of marriage. Natka gave birth to her daughter, Nancy, in 1951 and her son, Steven in 1952. For the next 20 years she worked at home caring for Bobby, Nancy, and Steve. Following the 1971 city election family friend, Dick Holmes, literally drug her downtown to work in the City Clerk's office for Charles Westerman. In 1977, she was appointed Deputy City Clerk. Natka served as Deputy City Clerk until her retirement on September 28, 2012 at the age of 86. Natka's primary role in the City Clerk's Office was assisting the Fort Wayne City Council. Her duties included attending City Council meetings on Tuesday evenings. Natka attended countless long and boring council meetings during her 40 years in the City Clerk's office. Natka was an excellent cook. You could count on her chicken with rice, and sweet potatoes along with eggplant casserole for the holidays. Patrons of Lambros Restaurant enjoyed her pita and baklava. The focus of Natka's life was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. They were a source of great pride and joy to her. Natka's love for them was immeasurable and she had a tremendous impact on their lives. Natka's only regrets in life were not learning how to drive and not having a middle name. She is survived by daughter, Nancy (Tom) Boyer; grandchildren, Ann (Kevin) Meyer, Dave Boyer, Emily Eshcoff, and Tim Eshcoff; great-granddaughter, Teresa Meyer; and daughter-in-law, Karen Eshcoff. Natka was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Eshcoff; son, Steven Eshcoff; brother, Thomas Panoff; and sister, Anna Zakarian. Funeral services will be 11:00 am, Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at St. Nicholas Cathedral, 3535 Crescent Ave., with entry prayers beginning at 10:00 am, and calling until the service. Calling will also be from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at FairHaven Funeral and Cremation Services, 6557 N Clinton St., with Trisagion Prayers at 7:00pm. Burial at Lindenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Nicholas Cathedral. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.fairhavenfortwayne.com