Fond Farewell: Sociology Major Natalie Kriebel

Junior Natalie Kriebel, a sociology major, passed away at home in Marin County on March 27. She was 22.

Born December 30, 1996, Kriebel graduated from Tamiscal High School in Larkspur in 2015. She attended Santa Rosa Junior College and the College of Marin before transferring to Chico State in fall 2018 as part of the online bachelor’s degree in sociology program.

“Natalie was one of those students, like so many, who overcame personal obstacles to pursue her education in a nontraditional manner through our distance education opportunities,” said Marianne Paiva, a faculty member in sociology and multicultural and gender studies. “Her determination, thoughtfulness in discussion with classmates, and commitment to her education were inspiring.”  

Kriebel also was an inspired artist who liked to work with paint and collage. Her family describes her as a “psychic explorer and an old soul” who had a passion for other people.

“Natalie was studying sociology because she wanted to learn more about the world and help all life,” said her father John Kriebel. “She was an extraordinarily beautiful, sensitive, and kind person.”

She is survived by her parents, John Kriebel and Amy Holle, and twin sister, Kate. Services were held privately.

The University flag will be lowered in her memory Tuesday, April 16.