Natasha Blouin, mother of four and South Whidbey resident for nearly 20 years, died from gun violence on Jan. 11, 2019 in Freeland. She was 31.
Natasha had neither an easy beginning nor an easy end to life. She and her younger sister Katie were orphaned in Russia with visible signs of abuse and neglect.
Natasha and Katie found a loving home when they were adopted by moms Joyce Knowlton and Leslie Woods in 1997. The girls were immediately embraced by a supportive extended family, first in Oregon and later on Whidbey Island.
Although the trauma of her early years presented many life challenges, Natasha grew to face them with courage, grace and commitment.
Always willing to grow, Natasha was dedicated to personal accountability, integrity and honesty. She worked hard and was just beginning to blossom when she died.
Loving and big-hearted, Natasha cherished family over everything. She was fiercely devoted to her children and determined to be the best mom possible. She had a great sense of humor and delighted in playing with her kids.
She had a strong love and affection for animals. She once rescued field mice intended for school science experiments. A family friend said that the always-energetic Natasha was the only person who could tire out their border collie.
Natasha was a loving, big-hearted, funny, playful, vibrant, brave, strong and take-charge young woman. She was adored by her children. She will be sorely missed by them – Brionna Blouin, 12; Skyler Blouin, 10; Tristan Sesera, 6; Levi Meadows, 9 months; and by her mothers Joyce Knowlton and Leslie Woods; by her sister Katie; by her grandmother Beverly Woods; and by her many friends and extended family members.
She attended South Whidbey High School and worked at the Short Stop, Payless and Star Store.
A service in remembrance of Natasha will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 26 at St. Augustine’s-in-the-Woods Episcopal Church, 5217 S. Honeymoon Bay Road in Freeland on Whidbey Island.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that written stories, memories or well wishes about Natasha be brought to the service or emailed to spiritmusic@whidbey.com. These materials will be included in a book for Natasha’s children.
Memorials may also be made to organizations that support women and children in need.
