Natalya Ivanovna Malakhova

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Natalya Ivanovna Malakhova, age 49, on March 3, 2025. Natalya was tragically killed in a homicide attack by firearm. She is survived by her two daughters, Elizaveta Fehr (23) and Lilianna Fehr (22), her sister, brother, and mother, as well as her former husband, Paul Fehr (68).
Natalya was born in Magadan, Russia, and made the courageous decision to move to the United States at the age of 21, where she embarked on a journey of education, professional success, and raising her children. She was an inspiration to all who knew her, demonstrating a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a fierce dedication to her family. She earned two master's degrees while raising her children and working multiple jobs.
Natalya attended International Pedagogical University of Magadan from 1994 to 1996, where she earned an associate's degree in psychology and education. She continued her studies at Eureka College from 2000 to 2003, earning a Bachelor of Science in History and Science. During her time at Eureka, she was an active member of the Devil's Swim Team and published an article in The Pegasus as well as poetry in Impressions, Eureka College's student anthology. She later earned a Master of Liberal Studies from Bradley University from 2006 to 2008, where she also served as a member of the Graduate Advisor Council and the Curriculum and Regulation Committee. She continued her academic pursuits, earning a Master of Human Service Administration from Bradley University between 2008 and 2011, during which she was a Graduate Administrative Assistant for international students.
Throughout her career, Natalya worked in various fields, including language consulting, business ownership, healthcare, and the arts. She worked as a language consultant for Inlingua Institute in Chicago from 2003 to 2004, where she developed a language program for Caterpillar employees in both Russia and the U.S. She later founded Russian-English Language Services in Eureka, IL, where she ran a successful business offering language consulting and international education advice from 2005 to 2013. Additionally, Natalya founded a dance studio in Eureka, IL, where she offered dance classes to students of all ages, further extending her passion for education and the arts. She also served as the Executive Director of Villas of Holly Brook in Washington, IL, from 2014 to 2016, overseeing operations at senior living communities. In 2020, she founded Ultimate Balance 360 in Washington, IL, where she provided professional training for senior citizens, focusing on post-surgical recovery and fall prevention. Most recently, she was employed as a care manager at Care Around the Block in Knoxville, TN, where she helped clients transition from independent living to memory care.
Natalya's contributions to the field of education and healthcare extended beyond her professional roles. In 2014, she published an article titled "Experience the Bounty of Living Healthy Cells" in Healthy Cells Magazine. Additionally, she published a children's book, Once Upon a Nature, in 2008, which inspired children to learn about friendship, bravery, and the natural world.
In her personal life, Natalya was a passionate individual with a deep love for the arts and physical activity. She enjoyed painting, sewing, swimming, skiing, running marathons, and participating in Tough Mudder events. She believed in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, constantly seeking balance in all aspects of life.
Natalya's family remembers her as a dynamic, intelligent, and loving individual. Her daughters, Lilianna and Elizaveta, shared memories of the profound impact Natalya had on their lives. Lilianna reflected, "You were so strong, self-sufficient, so funny, unique, talented, and beautiful. You looked at life so optimistically that nothing seemed impossible. You taught me how to be brave and smart, and how to unapologetically be myself. You made me and Lizel your world, and you understood our hopes, our struggles, and our dreams. I'm still in shock that you're gone, but I know you are in a perfect place now, and that God needed you. I'll never forget how you lit up every room, how you ran through life like a comet."
Elizaveta added, "You were a fighter your whole life. You moved to the US from Russia when you were 21, learned English, earned degrees, and excelled in everything you did. You were so self-sufficient, independent, and defied every limit. I owe everything I am to you. You made me feel like I was never alone and could become anything in this world. This tragedy doesn't define you. You were a flower growing in ash, your fighting spirit a testament to true drive and passion. I love you, Mama, and I will forever carry you with me."
Natalya's family and friends will always remember her as a woman of incredible resilience, unyielding determination, and love that knew no bounds. She loved God and was a devoted follower of Christ. She gave everything to her children, her career, and to those who had the privilege of knowing her. She was the embodiment of strength and love, and her legacy will endure in the hearts of all who knew her.
A celebration of Natalya's life will be held at the end of April. For details, please contact Lilianna Fehr at liliyafehr@yahoo.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to http://Paypal.me/lizelfehr.