Natasha Mae Fester, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, and friend, passed awy peacefully on July 28, 2024, surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was 45 years old. Natasha was born on March 14, 1979, in Austin, Texas, to John and Margaret Fester. Her passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but her life and legacy will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Early Life and Education
Natasha was a bright and curious child, always eager to learn and explore the world around her. She attended Travis Heights Elementary School and later graduated from McCallum High School with honors. Her passion for knowledge led her to the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Natasha’s love for books and writing was evident from an early age, and she excelled academically, earning several scholarships and awards throughout her educational journey.
Career and Achievements
After graduating, Natasha pursued a career in publishing, starting as an editorial assistant at a small local publishing house. Her talent and dedication quickly propelled her through the ranks, and she eventually became a senior editor at HarperCollins, one of the most prestigious publishing houses in the world. Throughout her career, Natasha worked with numerous acclaimed authors, helping to bring their stories to life and into the hands of readers around the globe.
Natasha’s editorial skills were matched only by her own writing prowess. She authored several critically acclaimed novels, including “Whispers of the Heart” and “Shadows of the Past,” both of which became bestsellers. Her work was celebrated for its emotional depth, intricate plots, and vivid character development. Natasha’s contributions to literature were recognized with numerous awards, including the Pen/Faulkner Award for Fiction and the National Book Critics Circle Award.
Personal Life and Passions
Beyond her professional achievements, Natasha was a devoted wife and mother. She married the love of her life, Michael Thompson, in a beautiful ceremony in 2003. The couple was blessed with two children, Emily and Jacob, who were the light of Natasha’s life. She cherished her family and always made time for them, despite her busy career.
Natasha had a wide range of interests and hobbies. She was an avid traveler, always eager to explore new cultures and landscapes. Her travels took her to many corners of the world, including Europe, Asia, and South America. Natasha also had a deep love for music and was an accomplished pianist. She often played for friends and family, filling their home with beautiful melodies.
In her community, Natasha was known for her generosity and compassion. She volunteered at local shelters, supported literacy programs, and was actively involved in environmental conservation efforts. Her kindness and commitment to making the world a better place touched many lives and left a lasting impact.
Legacy and Remembrance
Natasha’s passing is a profound loss to all who knew her, but her legacy will endure through her work and the countless lives she touched. She is survived by her husband, Michael, her children, Emily and Jacob, her parents, John and Margaret, and her brother, David. Her family and friends will remember her as a loving, kind, and incredibly talented individual whose spirit will continue to inspire them.
A memorial service will be held on August 5, 2024, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas, at 10:00 AM. The family invites all who knew Natasha to join them in celebrating her life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Austin Public Library Foundation in Natasha’s honor, reflecting her lifelong passion for literature and education.
Natasha Mae Fester will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Her life was a testament to the power of love, creativity, and generosity. As we remember Natasha, let us carry forward her legacy of kindness, passion, and dedication to making the world a better place.
FAQ: Searching for Obituaries
Q: How can I find an obituary for a specific person?
A: To find an obituary for a specific person, you can start by searching online obituary databases, such as Legacy.com, Newspapers.com, and Obituaries.com. These websites often have extensive archives of obituaries. Additionally, local newspapers and funeral home websites are good sources for recent obituaries. You can also try using search engines like Google, entering the person’s name along with keywords like “obituary” and the city or state they lived in.
Q: What information is typically included in an obituary?
A: An obituary typically includes the following information:
- Full name of the deceased
- Date and place of birth
- Date and place of death
- Names of surviving family members
- A brief biography, including education, career, and personal achievements
- Details about the funeral or memorial service
- Information about any memorial donations or charitable contributions
Q: How can I write an obituary?
A: Writing an obituary involves gathering key information about the deceased’s life and presenting it in a respectful and meaningful way. Start with the basic details (name, age, date of birth and death) and then provide a brief biography, highlighting important milestones, achievements, and personal qualities. Include information about surviving family members and funeral arrangements. Conclude with any requests for memorial donations. It can be helpful to look at examples of obituaries for guidance.
Q: Can I find obituaries for people who passed away many years ago?
A: Yes, you can often find obituaries for individuals who passed away many years ago through historical newspaper archives, genealogy websites, and online obituary databases. Libraries also often have archives of local newspapers, which can be a valuable resource for finding older obituaries.
Q: Are obituaries publicly accessible?
A: Most obituaries are publicly accessible and published in newspapers, funeral home websites, and online databases. However, some families may choose to keep obituaries private or restrict access to them. If you are unable to find an obituary online, you might consider reaching out to the family directly or contacting the funeral home that handled the arrangements.
Q: How can I submit an obituary to a newspaper?
A: To submit an obituary to a newspaper, contact the newspaper’s obituary department directly. Most newspapers have specific guidelines and submission forms available on their websites. You will need to provide the text of the obituary, along with any photos you wish to include, and there may be a fee for publication. Funeral homes often assist families with submitting obituaries to newspapers.
Q: What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?
A: An obituary is a detailed account of a person’s life, including biographical information, achievements, and details about surviving family members and funeral arrangements. A death notice is a shorter, more concise announcement of a person’s death, typically including only basic information such as the deceased’s name, age, date of death, and details about the funeral or memorial service.
Q: Can I request a copy of an obituary from a newspaper?
A: Yes, you can request a copy of an obituary from a newspaper. Many newspapers offer archives of past issues and obituaries on their websites, where you can search for and access copies. If the obituary you are looking for is not available online, you can contact the newspaper’s archives or library department for assistance in obtaining a copy.
Q: How long are obituaries kept in online databases?
A: The length of time obituaries are kept in online databases varies by website and publication. Some online obituary databases keep records indefinitely, while others may only retain them for a certain number of years. It is advisable to save a copy of any important obituaries you find for your records.
Q: Are there any costs associated with searching for obituaries?
A: Searching for obituaries online is usually free, though some websites may require a subscription or a one-time fee for access to certain records. Local libraries and newspaper archives may also offer free or low-cost access to obituary records. If you are submitting an obituary for publication, there may be a fee, which varies by newspaper and the length of the obituary.
