Natalie was a beautiful person, both inside and out. Natalie was a passionate supporter of causes she loved, and a force to be reckoned with. Natalie valued family—her extended family members are amongst her closest friends. While at Garfield High School, Natalie developed her unique stand-out skill—baton twirling.
Natalie was awarded the title of “All City” High School Majorette, prior to heading off to Mills College. Her lifelong thirst for knowledge, coupled with her athleticism, were both in evidence when she returned to Seattle’s University of Washington. Natalie led the game day parades through the UW campus to Husky Stadium. Natalie was the UW Husky Band’s Majorette—always out front and leading. Natalie’s personality and appearance earned her many beauty queen titles, including “Seattle Seafair Princess,” and as a young Mom, being crowned Mrs. Bellevue. Natalie played competitive tennis, served as Den Mother for her son Keith’s Cub Scout troop, and volunteered for many organizations.
Later, Natalie returned to the UW to obtain her Master’s of Philosophy degree, where she was honored at Matrix Table for being the Outstanding Senior Woman in Philosophy. She was accepted into the Doctoral program when she went back to Grad School. Natalie minored in French. Always ahead of the curve, Natalie continued to champion causes that were near and dear to her heart. Natalie developed “Philosophy of Feminism” curricula that she taught at both the UW Experimental College, as well as at Bellevue College.
In 1984, Natalie married her devoted husband Robert Malin. Together they travelled the world and crafted a life, with Bob always lovingly by her side.
For the past 40 years, Natalie was best known as an award-winning Real Estate Broker, an Associate Vice President of the local branch of Coldwell Banker and a “Who’s Who in Residential Real Estate.” Natalie was a member of three book clubs, several of the Mercer Island Women’s Club groups, and served on the Board of the Washington State Jewish Genealogical Society.
Natalie’s creativity and marketing skills were evident in her appearance as well, always a meticulously coiffed fashionista. Natalie was notably a gifted marketing strategist, with an unparalleled way with words—one of her very favorite activities was crafting her marketing materials for her clients, and personalized Birthday, Anniversary and Holiday Cards.
Natalie will be greatly missed, and is survived by her husband Robert Malin; children Lori Goldfarb, Melissa Malin Reninger (Todd Reninger) Kevin Malin and grandchildren; Samantha Ariel Rogel, Alec Goldfarb, Kylie Goldfarb, Brandon Reninger (Hazel Reninger), in addition to her sister Teri Cowan and many nieces, nephews, loving cousins and extended family (including her neighbors). Her beloved son, Keith David Goldfarb predeceased her, as did her parents, Bessie and Sam Thomas and her two brothers, Herb Thomas and Peter Thomas. Natalie’s grandfather, also named Peter Thomas was a founder of Herzl Synagogue and Herzl Ner Tamid Memorial Park, where remembrances can be made in her honor.
