On September 14, 2024, the world said goodbye to an extraordinary soul, Natasha Mae Fester. At 68 years of age, Natasha left this world peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Her passing marks the end of a vibrant chapter in the lives of those who knew her, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of the many lives she touched.
Natasha was born on January 12, 1956, in Boise, Idaho, to parents Eleanor and Gerald Fester. Her upbringing was one of warmth, strong family values, and unyielding curiosity about the world. From a young age, Natasha showed remarkable intelligence, creativity, and a sense of independence. She was a person who lived life fully, with a deep love for people, adventure, and lifelong learning.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in Boise, Natasha developed a love for the outdoors, an interest that would define much of her life. She spent countless hours exploring the mountains, rivers, and forests near her home. It was there that she discovered her passion for nature, something that would stay with her throughout her life. Natasha’s parents, both teachers, instilled in her the importance of education and hard work. They nurtured her curiosity and her love for reading, leading her to excel academically.
She attended Boise High School, where she thrived both in academics and extracurricular activities. Natasha was a brilliant student, known for her kindness and enthusiasm for learning. She was also involved in many school clubs, particularly the debate team, where her skills as an articulate and passionate speaker became evident.
After graduating from high school with honors, Natasha attended Stanford University on a full scholarship, where she majored in Environmental Science. Her decision to pursue this field was a reflection of her deep love and respect for nature. While at Stanford, Natasha immersed herself in her studies, but she also made time for travel, which became one of the great joys of her life. She spent summers volunteering in national parks, participating in environmental conservation projects, and traveling abroad to places like Costa Rica and Tanzania to study wildlife preservation.
Natasha graduated in 1978 with honors, earning a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. Her time at Stanford shaped her, not just academically but also personally. She made lifelong friends and met mentors who would influence the trajectory of her career and personal life.
A Distinguished Career
After graduating from Stanford, Natasha moved to Seattle, Washington, where she began her career as an environmental scientist. She started working at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where her passion for the environment and her analytical mind made her a standout in her field. Natasha specialized in air quality research and played a crucial role in several landmark studies on the impact of air pollution on public health.
Throughout her career, Natasha was known for her commitment to improving the environment, her attention to detail, and her ability to work collaboratively with others. She was a mentor to many young scientists, always encouraging them to pursue their passions and make a difference in the world.
In 1990, Natasha took on a new role as a senior environmental consultant at Green Earth Solutions, a nonprofit dedicated to environmental advocacy and sustainability. There, she spearheaded numerous projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and protecting endangered species. She was deeply involved in the legislative side of environmental work, lobbying for stricter regulations on pollution and working closely with lawmakers to pass environmentally conscious bills. Her tireless efforts earned her widespread recognition and numerous awards.
Natasha was also an accomplished writer, contributing articles to various environmental journals and newspapers. Her clear and compelling writing helped raise awareness about critical environmental issues, and she was often invited to speak at conferences around the world. Her advocacy extended beyond her professional life, as she was a regular volunteer in her local community, helping to organize clean-up events and educational programs about conservation.
A Passion for Travel and Adventure
Outside of her career, Natasha was a dedicated traveler and adventurer. She visited over 50 countries throughout her life, always seeking to learn more about different cultures and ecosystems. Her travels were not merely about seeing the world but about understanding it. Natasha’s love for nature and the environment extended globally; she was an advocate for sustainable travel long before it became a popular movement.
One of her most cherished adventures was a year-long sabbatical she took in her early 40s, during which she traveled across Southeast Asia, Australia, and South America. She trekked through rainforests, visited ancient temples, and camped under the stars in some of the world’s most remote locations. These travels enriched her life, providing her with a deep appreciation for the beauty and fragility of our planet.
Natasha also had a deep love for the mountains. She spent many weekends hiking in the Cascades, and over the years, she summited many of the major peaks in the Pacific Northwest. Whether hiking, skiing, or simply sitting by a campfire with friends, Natasha felt most at home in nature. She believed that time spent outdoors was essential to the soul, and she often spoke about the healing power of the natural world.
Family Life
Though her professional and personal accomplishments were numerous, Natasha always maintained that her greatest joy came from her family. In 1985, she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Harrison, a fellow environmentalist she encountered at an environmental policy conference in Seattle. The two bonded over their shared passion for the environment, as well as a mutual love of travel and adventure. They were married in 1987, and together they built a life full of love, laughter, and exploration.
Natasha and Bob were blessed with two children, Emily and Jonathan, who were the light of Natasha’s life. She was a devoted mother, always making time for her children despite her busy career. Whether it was helping them with school projects, cheering them on at their soccer games, or taking them on hiking trips, Natasha’s children always knew they were her top priority. She instilled in them the same love of nature and sense of curiosity that had defined her own life.
Her bond with her children only grew stronger as they got older. Natasha and Emily shared a love of writing and often exchanged poems and short stories, while she and Jonathan spent hours discussing environmental issues and politics. Natasha was incredibly proud of the adults her children became, and her influence on their lives was profound.
As a grandmother, Natasha was equally dedicated. She adored her two grandchildren, Mia and Noah, and they brought her immense joy in her later years. Whether reading to them, baking cookies, or taking them on walks in the park, Natasha cherished every moment she spent with them.
A Legacy of Compassion and Advocacy
Natasha’s commitment to environmentalism was not limited to her career. She was a lifelong advocate for social justice and human rights, and she understood that the fight for a healthier planet was also a fight for the well-being of all its inhabitants. She worked tirelessly to promote equity and inclusion, particularly within the environmental movement, and she believed that a just and sustainable future could only be achieved if everyone had a voice in shaping it.
Natasha’s compassion extended to all areas of her life. She was known for her generosity, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Whether it was offering mentorship to young scientists, volunteering at her local food bank, or simply being there for a friend in need, Natasha lived her life with kindness and empathy. Her friends and family remember her as a person who truly cared about others and always made them feel valued and supported.
Her legacy is one of advocacy, compassion, and determination. Natasha believed in the power of individuals to make a difference, and she lived her life as an example of that belief. She encouraged others to take action in their communities, to stand up for what they believed in, and to never stop fighting for a better world.
Final Years and Passing
In her later years, Natasha slowed down professionally but never lost her passion for the environment or for life itself. She retired from her full-time work in 2012 but remained active in the environmental community, serving on the boards of several nonprofit organizations and continuing to write and speak on environmental issues. She also became more involved in her local community, working with schools to promote environmental education and helping to establish community gardens in underserved areas.
Natasha was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, a battle she faced with her characteristic strength and optimism. Even during her treatment, she continued to advocate for the causes she cared about, raising awareness about the environmental factors that contribute to cancer and working to support other patients and their families. Despite her illness, Natasha remained active, spending as much time as she could outdoors and with her loved ones.
Her final months were spent in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her family. She passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, advocacy, and a life well lived.
A Life to Be Remembered
Natasha Mae Fester lived a life filled with purpose, passion, and love. She was a pioneer in the environmental movement, a dedicated mother and grandmother, and a cherished friend to many. Her contributions to the fight for a healthier planet, her love for her family, and her compassion for others have left an indelible mark on the world. Natasha’s life was one of meaning, adventure, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
Her family plans to honor her memory with a celebration of life, which will take place at her favorite park in Seattle. In lieu of flowers, they ask that donations be made to one of Natasha’s favorite organizations, the Sierra Club, in her name.
As we say goodbye to Natasha, we remember her not with sorrow but with gratitude for the time we had with her. Her spirit, her love for the world, and her legacy of kindness will live on in all of us who were fortunate enough to know her. Rest in peace, Natasha Mae Fester. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
