Irene Marie Strand

Irene passed away peacefully with her family at her side, January 9, 2015.

She celebrated her 88th birthday December 29th dancing in Puerto Vallarta Mexico surrounded by her large loving family. She started sharing her birthday in Mexico 24 years ago; we've had some incredible adventures and have wonderful memories as a family. Irene always had a smile on her face, a kind word for all, and she was the best story teller.

Irene was born on December 29, 1926 in Seattle to Elmer and Lydia O'Neil. She lost her mother at age 13 and became the primary caregiver for her four brothers, Terry, John (Jack) Elmer and Robert. She lived her entire life in Seattle, graduated from Immaculate Conception and attended Seattle University.

In 1948 she married the love of her life, Richard (Dick) Strand. Together they raised five children and built a successful business, Shoreline Plumbing and Heating. She had a full and active life full of travel and adventures, but her happy marriage and her family were her greatest joys and she shared that joy with everyone that she met. Her life was truly a love story.

Irene is survived by her husband Richard Strand and her children; Kristine (Michael) Villiott, Richard (Cynthia) Strand, Kimberly (Rob) Entrop, Michael (Kimberly) Strand, and Patrick (Janice) Strand. When she had her first grandchild she became lovingly known as Granny. Her grandchildren Matthew (Christina) Villiott, Mark (Jane) Villiott, Kyle (Marni) Entrop, Kelly (Colin) Edmonds, Todd Entrop, Sophia (Brandon) Olson, Bree (Barham) Beireis, Shelly Strand, Ryan Strand, Davis Strand and Julia Strand will all miss their Granny. She is also survived by 9 great grandchildren: Zoe & Claire Villiott, Lilli and Amelia Villiott, Cayden and Charlee Edmonds, Asa and Sloane Entrop and Bennett Olson.

Irene loved to dance and adored her husband, her children, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren.

Granny we love you!

There will be a Celebration of Irene's life at Inglewood Golf Club on Sunday, February 8th at 3:00 p.m., 6505 Inglewood Road Kenmore, WA 98028

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to Ryther Child Center or a nonprofit of your choice. Sign Irene's online Guest Book at www.Legacy.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Jan. 18 to Jan. 25, 2015.

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January 24, 2015

I am thinking of all the family! The pictures show what the description of life is, what a lucky women! I am Terry O'Neil's granddaughter.

January 21, 2015

Dear Strand Family,
Thinking of you at this time. Irene was a wonderful woman and mom. I still make her Spritz cookie recipe every Christmas!
Heather Mair

Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary

January 20, 2015

Dear Richard and Family,
On behalf of all our Sisters, especially those who taught at Immaculate and loved that special place so much, we extend our prayerful sympathy to you. May Irene's new way of living in God's presence bring great peace and joy to her, and may you experience her nearness always.

January 19, 2015

She always made all of us punk kids feel so welcome just like we were part of the family. Just a peach of a woman.

Love from Jake, Megan and Jackson Reagan

January 19, 2015

Our heart goes out to the entire Strand family....Irene was truly a wonderful Woman and took great pride in all of you! Miss Lola will be missed, but she will always be by your sides ...dancing and telling a story...
Loves, Dana and Jeff Bieber

January 19, 2015

We were blessed to spend a little time with Dick and Irene before their trip to Mexico. We have always felt they were the epitome of the greatest couple. To be married for so many years, to have so many children and raise them all with integrity and honesty. To celebrate their family and keep them all together, in their hearts and minds. To love, laugh and share. What a gift! What a legacy! Our hearts truly go out to the family, such a great loss, but what a wonderful life!

Love you guys! Scott & Merri

January 18, 2015

My condolences to the Strand family and friends. Irene was always a joy to be around. Beautiful, fun, loving and the life of the party. You will be missed. Rest in peace Irene.
Matt Hill

January 18, 2015

Needless to say I will miss the love and kindness from Irene.

Mary Burns

January 18, 2015

Irene and Dick had a wonderful marriage for so many years.
Very nice people.
Irene you such a happy lady and like your smile.
Mary Burns

Heidi Rourke

January 18, 2015

Irene Strand
You were a good mother wife friend grandma and great grandma
You will be missed.
You lived a good life and you probably remember you of having a smile and being happy.
Let her rest in peace.
Let the angels god and jesus be with her and her family.

January 16, 2015

Irene, we love you so much. You are such a loving memory for the DeWitt family, a part of the best and most fun recollections of our childhood. May you be blessed.
Vicki DeWitt

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