HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2026-4693
HR 4693
By Representative Simmons
WHEREAS, Natalie Naomi Phelps, a devoted educator, mother, and internationally recognized advocate for cancer awareness and research, passed away on November 10, 2025, on Bainbridge Island, Washington, at the age of 43, following cancer-related complications; and
WHEREAS, Natalie was raised in Washington state and graduated from Lakeside High School, later earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in history with a minor in studio art from Whitman College and a Master of Arts in education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she received a foreign language area studies fellowship to study Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies; and
WHEREAS, Natalie dedicated her career to education and cultural exchange, teaching in Jordan, Egypt, and Qatar before returning to Washington to teach elementary students on Bainbridge Island, leaving a lasting impact on students and colleagues across the world; and
WHEREAS, In early 2020, shortly after the birth of her second child, Natalie was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer and transformed her diagnosis into a mission to promote early detection, expand awareness of early onset colorectal cancer, and advocate for sustained funding for cancer research; and
WHEREAS, Natalie served as a co-chair of the Seattle Walk to End Colon Cancer and on the Education Engagement Committee of the Colorectal Cancer Care Alliance, and shared her message with national and international audiences through major media outlets; and
WHEREAS, Natalie is remembered for her deep love of family and community, her wit and creativity, and her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others, and is survived by her husband, Dr. Jeff Word; her two children; her brother, Gavin Phelps, and his husband, Oscar; and many other dear family members and loved ones;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor the life and legacy of Natalie Naomi Phelps and extend its deepest sympathy to her family and all who mourn her passing.
I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of
Resolution 4693 adopted by the House of Representatives