03/19/2026
A true pillar of our community, Marj Nattress will be missed. She was a very kind, thoughtful, Inspiring Woman!
We fondly remember her role on the panel at the Inspiring Women Conference in 2016.
Thank you ❤️
Lloydminster is mourning the loss of a true community icon and pillar.
Helen Marjorie Nattress passed away on March 6 at the age of 98. Nattress co-founded the Lloydminster Interval Home in 1979, one of the earliest shelters in Alberta for women and children fleeing abuse. The vision for a “home for women in crisis” was developed alongside Dolores Cummine that same year. Despite being turned down by Saskatchewan Social Services as an Interval Home in 1979, the doors of The Interval Home officially opened in 1980 thanks to significant community donations. In December 1980, the Lloydminster Interval Home Society was accepted for a Canada Employment Grant. Although the funding was temporary, the Province of Alberta soon provided additional support. Challenges continued, but it became clear the board was determined to keep the much needed facility open, with the community stepping up time and again through generous donations.
Today, the Interval Home Society has evolved into the Spark Foundation of Lloydminster. Part of The Spark Foundation is Dol-Mar Manor, named in honour of founders Dolores Cummine, who passed away in 2019, and Marjorie Nattress and serves as a second-stage housing and transitional facility for women and children leaving emergency shelter. It stands as a lasting tribute to two women who recognized a critical need after seeing women forced to live on the streets while escaping abuse.
Marjorie Nattress was married to Dr. J. Ronald Nattress, who predeceased her in 2013. Early in their careers, the couple operated Cadomin’s small mining hospital as its sole doctor and nurse before eventually settling in Lloydminster. This is a move the community has long benefited from. Nattress also played a key role in launching Lloydminster’s first CPR course and establishing its first Candy Striper program, helping train young girls interested in nursing.
Lloydminster is a stronger, more compassionate community because of Marjorie Nattress. Her ability to recognize what was missing and take action has left a legacy that has been felt for decades and will continue to impact generations to come.
