Marika Naumann

AUBURN < Marika Naumann, 75, returned to the arms of the Lord on April 17, 2008. She was born in Wuppertal, Germany, on Sept. 27, 1932, the oldest of five siblings. She is survived by her brothers, Heinz, Joseph, Bernard, and her sister, Agnes. In 1953, she emigrated to Canada where she met her husband, Dr. Charles A. Naumann (now deceased). They married in 1954 and moved to Auburn, where they built a life together. They raised four children, Vanessa Johnson, D.C., C. Eric Naumann, D.C., Sylvia Moneti, J.D., and Victoria Naumann, D.C. Marika is also survived by her four grandchildren; many nieces, nephews; and her soon to be born great-grandchild. A relentless cheerleader for chiropractry, Marika for many years assisted her husband in managing his practice and was also instrumental in the New York State Chiropractic Association"s education initiatives in the public schools. Although proud of her adopted country, preservation of German culture was also important to her. Marika helped to found and sustain the Auburn German Club. She volunteered as a big sister to two young girls with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program, and maintained their friendship into their adult lives. Marika was also an active Literacy Volunteer until her illness precluded her from participating. Marika was a graduate of Auburn Community College and attended Syracuse University, taking courses in art and art education. Although she did not matriculate, she used her talent and education in her role as a youth religion teacher for Sacred Heart Church. She faithfully attended St. Ann"s Church in Owasco for many years, where she discovered and strengthened her faith with great enthusiasm. Her love for her church community was great and joyful. Born into a farming family, Marika had a great love of the land and nature. Early on, travel, skiing, art and family were her main interests. Later in her life gardening, farming and her faith became her passion. Despite her exhausting struggle against cancer, she always could muster the strength to attend Mass and mow her pastures. Now she is tilling the fields in God"s country. A funeral Mass will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26, in St. Ann"s Church, Route 38A, village of Owasco. Following will be the burial at Fort Hill Cemetery, and in lieu of calling hours, a reception from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Marika"s home. Donations in lieu of flowers, can be made to Mission of the Heart, c/o Sacred Heart Church, 90 Melrose Road, Auburn, NY 13021; or Hospice of the Finger Lakes, 1130 Corporate Drive, Auburn, NY 13021. White Chapel Funeral Home Inc., 197 South St., Auburn. To send a message to the family, sign our guest book at www.auburnpub.com and click on obituaries.