Natalie Harris Obituary

Natalie Beth Harris died unexpectedly from a sudden illness on June 4th, 2025. She was a devoted spouse, mother, grandmother, and loyal friend. She was also a teacher, athlete, yogi, and meditator. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on January 27th, 1948, to Arnold and Charlotte Johnson, she attended Elmhurst High School. She completed her undergraduate and graduate work at Indiana University, where she earned her Ph.D. in 1977. She taught American literature and creative writing alongside her husband at Colby College for over three decades before retiring.
Natalie met Peter Harris in a Herman Melville seminar. She wasn't a fan of Melville, but she fell for Peter-and they were married for fifty-one years. They had two children, Alison and Michael, and two grandchildren-Noah, 8, and Jonah, 5 (children of Alison and her husband, Joel Leiby). Her grandchildren completely won her heart; she especially loved reading to them at night. She loved her family deeply, passionately, with discernment, and with frequent advice. Because of this cherishing, she began the nightly ritual of writing down three things to be grateful for fifteen years ago. She filled six volumes of her nightly gratitude journal. Eventually, she persuaded the rest of us to join in.
Natalie was a devoted lover of the arts. At various stages, she played piano and painted in watercolor and acrylics, but first and last, she loved writing. In mid-career, she earned an MFA in fiction writing and began to publish short stories and creative non-fiction. She also loved revision. An expert editor, she improved any draft that came her way by removing clutter and enhancing grace and clarity. She often saved her husband from public embarrassment.
Retirement brought on her fullest flowering. Her passions were several. Once a runner, she continued her practice of walking at least five miles a day-quickly. She and Peter facilitated a literature seminar for local adults under the auspices of Colby College. Before that, she'd founded a book group, which she referred to as the "bookies." Forever an "A" student, she read each book twice, took notes, identified key passages, and baked cookies. The bookies' discussions were always probing, specific, and often uproarious.
She began retirement by volunteering her grant writing assistance at the homeless shelter. Later, she found her calling as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for children threatened by family dysfunction. This role focused her compassion, her capacity for order, and her writing skills. Another love she long cultivated was yoga, and in retirement, she practiced five days a week at her beloved School Street Yoga. One big reason Natalie didn't want to move away from Waterville was her conviction that she'd never find another studio so excellent. Yoga also led her to meditation, which, of course, she practiced faithfully. She treasured her Sunday morning meditation group and her annual retreats to Insight Meditation Society in Massachusetts, from which she always returned radiant. These practices also complemented her growing engagement with her Jewish heritage.
A gifted cook, she made a home-cooked meal every night, the ingredients often arranged on the plate in the form of a smile or mandala. Her recipes kept changing, but her nut loaf and Harris House Pizza were consistent favorites.
Natalie and Peter were dog lovers and almost always had a hound around: Ralph, Fiona, and, most recently, Benny. As she and Peter walked, their dog would keep a running commentary, each of them a quick wit and comedic kvetch.
Her deepest devotion was to her husband Peter, daughter Alison, and son Michael, who continue to feel her love every day. Friends were also a huge part of her life. To name just two, Cindy, her friend of fifty-six years, was present at her bedside on the night of her death. Natalie had just returned the week before from Ireland, where she visited another soul sister, Áine. Her many loving family members and friends will mourn her deeply. We will all miss the myriad ways she spoke her beautiful mind and heart. May her memory be for a blessing.
There will be a memorial service at the Colby College chapel on August 3rd at 1:00 p.m. followed by a reception on campus. All are welcome.