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Liza Strote Obituary
Liza was a loving wife, daughter and devoted mother. She worked in accounting and as a sales associate at Sports Chalet of Valencia. She attended Valencia High School, College of the Canyons and California State University Northridge. She graduated from Valencia High School with honors and California State University Northridge with a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology. She played on the volleyball team at both Valencia High School and College of the Canyons. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church.
Liza Strote is survived by her beloved husband, John Charles Strote, her daughter Elizabeth Strote (3 years), son Joey Strote (18 months), and her loving parents Len and Lori Cipressi, her Grandmas' Anne and Millie, Aunts Jill and Yvonne, Uncle Rick, cousins and friends.
Liza's family wrote, "Liza was a devoted wife, a caring mother of two wonderful young children, and an awesome daughter. She loved being in the water, the outdoors, camping and exploring. She was fond of all God's creatures with cats, dogs, birds, fish, rabbits, and turtles, all being a part of her life. Her love of family and friends was endless. Liza was 29 and married for almost four years. She was loved by many and is sorely missed. While our grief is deep and at times unbearable, our comfort is knowing Liza is now with the Lord. We love you Liza."
Services will be held on Sunday October 18, 2009 at 4 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 25816 North Tournament Rd. Valencia 91355.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to John Strote c/c 24624 Varese Ct, Valencia, CA 91355 (will be used for Joey and Elizabeth's education).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Liza Strote
Daddy
November 25, 2009
To My Dearest Liza,
Oh Liza, we miss you so much!
Mom and I are in agony every day. The anguish we feel is unbearable and total. We still can’t accept that you are gone. This is a nightmare that we want to awaken from.
Liza, I miss you so much.!
For 29 years, you filled our lives with absolute joy and bliss. You were such a good child never upsetting Mom or me. As a teen, you blossomed into a fine young woman who did well in school and on the volleyball court. As an adult you married and gave us two beautiful grandchildren, Elizabeth and Joey.
I feel I seldom gave you the praise you deserved because I didn’t want you to become complacent and not try harder in every endeavor you attempted. Now, I regret so much, that I didn’t praise you each and every day and verbalize how deeply I love you.
I feel there were many more kisses and hugs I could have given you; so much more time I could have spent with you. And now, I can not.
You provided so much to Mom & me. You know, when we took you on a trip or vacation, you would have a good time, but so did we; seeing a smile on your face would supercharge our lives. Liza, you gave us so many great memories. They filled us so full of happiness.
I remember all those “snicker doodle” cookies you would make for me when you were very young; they were so good. And when you got older, your brownies were superb. Later, those “breakfast burritos” you learned how to cook could keep me going all day long!
I enjoyed showing you how to fly a plane, you did very well. Teaching you how to drive a car was fun for me because you were so intent upon learning and getting your license. I remember how happy you were when you received it. Mom was happy also because she never had to worry about being short something in the kitchen, you would always “volunteer” to drive to the store and get whatever was needed!
Other fond memories were our visits to Maui. When you were younger, on one trip, you wanted a Hawaiian dress called a “Muumuu”. You posed for a picture in it which I cherish to this day. I have always had a special place in my heart for that snapshot. On a much more recent trip, you and John posed at the “Banyan Tree” at Lahaina; you both were so happy that I also love this picture.
Mom has photo albums loaded with pictures of joy. Your smiling face from very young until the last picture of you; hiking a nature trail with Mom and the kids. Mom took that shot never thinking it would be the last, and your smile, just as radiant as always!
We have pictures and memories but we can’t touch or hold you anymore. We are so distraught because you are not here to enjoy your life. You were on the verge of change and so happy about it. You were fixing the house, painting, curtains and a few more things to make it more personalized. You were working so hard with Joey to help him speak; you were thrilled at the progress he made. You were so proud of Elizabeth and her “Award for Sharing” presented by her teacher. You and John had so many nice things happening.
The simple surgery you wanted so much to have done before your birthday; went so terribly wrong. No one saw the warning signs and now, you are no longer here. We now all feel so guilty for not taking an extra step on your behalf and getting a second opinion. I was always overprotective of you and this really affects me. If only I had seen you more during that last week. If only……. Liza,,,,, I am so very sorry I did not visit with you every day. If I did, perhaps I would have been clued that something was wrong. I am so sorry Liza, so very sorry.
Elizabeth & Joey, are our only reasons to exist. Their needs now fill our thoughts; their joy keeps us going; their love keeps us alive. Lori and I are so empty; without them, I don’t know what we would do.
I can’t believe this is some plan of Divine Providence, it seems too cruel and unjust to attribute the circumstances to God. I know our thoughts are in disarray because our grief is so overwhelming. In time, I am sure we will become accustom to our new lives without your presence.
Although I shall forever miss your calling me “Daddy”; I shall bow down before you as the Angel you have now become. Please wrap your wings around us all.
All my love forever,
Daddy
November 23, 2009
To My Dearest Liza,
Oh Liza, we miss you so much!
Mom and I are in agony every day. The anguish we feel is unbearable and total. We still can’t accept that you are gone. This is a nightmare that we want to awaken from.
Liza, I miss you so much.!
For 29 years, you filled our lives with absolute joy and bliss. You were such a good child never upsetting Mom or me. As a teen, you blossomed into a fine young woman who did well in school and on the volleyball court. As an adult you married and gave us two beautiful grandchildren, Elizabeth and Joey.
I feel I seldom gave you the praise you deserved because I didn’t want you to become complacent and not try harder in every endeavor you attempted. Now, I regret so much, that I didn’t praise you each and every day and verbalize how deeply I love you.
I feel there were many more kisses and hugs I could have given you; so much more time I could have spent with you. And now, I can not.
You provided so much to Mom & me. You know, when we took you on a trip or vacation, you would have a good time, but so did we; seeing a smile on your face would supercharge our lives. Liza, you gave us so many great memories. They filled us so full of happiness.
I remember all those “snicker doodle” cookies you would make for me when you were very young; they were so good. And when you got older, your brownies were superb. Later, those “breakfast burritos” you learned how to cook could keep me going all day long!
I enjoyed showing you how to fly a plane, you did very well. Teaching you how to drive a car was fun for me because you were so intent upon learning and getting your license. I remember how happy you were when you received it. Mom was happy also because she never had to worry about being short something in the kitchen, you would always “volunteer” to drive to the store and get whatever was needed!
Other fond memories were our visits to Maui. When you were younger, on one trip, you wanted a Hawaiian dress called a “Muumuu”. You posed for a picture in it which I cherish to this day. I have always had a special place in my heart for that snapshot. On a much more recent trip, you and John posed at the “Banyan Tree” at Lahaina; you both were so happy that I also love this picture.
Mom has photo albums loaded with pictures of joy. Your smiling face from very young until the last picture of you; hiking a nature trail with Mom and the kids. Mom took that shot never thinking it would be the last, and your smile, just as radiant as always!
We have pictures and memories but we can’t touch or hold you anymore. We are so distraught because you are not here to enjoy your life. You were on the verge of change and so happy about it. You were fixing the house, painting, curtains and a few more things to make it more personalized. You were working so hard with Joey to help him speak; you were thrilled at the progress he made. You were so proud of Elizabeth and her “Award for Sharing” presented by her teacher. You and John had so many nice things happening.
The simple surgery you wanted so much to have done before your birthday; went so terribly wrong. No one saw the warning signs and now, you are no longer here. We now all feel so guilty for not taking an extra step on your behalf and getting a second opinion. I was always overprotective of you and this really affects me. If only I had seen you more during that last week. If only……. Liza,,,,, I am so very sorry I did not visit with you every day. If I did, perhaps I would have been clued that something was wrong. I am so sorry Liza, so very sorry.
Elizabeth & Joey, are our only reasons to exist. Their needs now fill our thoughts; their joy keeps us going; their love keeps us alive. Lori and I are so empty; without them, I don’t know what we would do.
I can’t believe this is some plan of Divine Providence, it seems too cruel and unjust to attribute the circumstances to God. I know our thoughts are in disarray because our grief is so overwhelming. In time, I am sure we will become accustom to our new lives without your presence.
Although I shall forever miss your calling me “Daddy”; I shall bow down before you as the Angel you have now become. Please wrap your wings around us all.
All my love forever,
Jolene & Jeff Mathias
November 13, 2009
There was always a light that Liza cast on those around her. Her bubbly personality and cheerful charm made it easy for others to gravitate to her. We met Liza while all working together at Sport Chalet and from day one we could tell that we were going to be friends. We're so thankful for the time we got to spend together and to watch her family grow. You will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts and thoughts.
Jenny Turnn
November 11, 2009
I feel so lucky to have known Liza! She was such an amazing mother and friend. We met through a mommy and me class where Elizabeth and Nathan became fast friends. It was very comforting for us while taking Nathan to speech therapy at Progressive Steps to see Elizabeth and Liza. Nathan felt so much better having a friend at therapy with him. Liza was so proud of her children! The incredible strides Elizabeth made in her speech and Joey sitting up so early. I will hold many precious memories of our times together. Whether we saw each other a few times a week or not for a month we could always pick back up like no time had passed. I just delivered my second child and it saddens me that Liza didn't get to meet him.
Elizabeth and Joey just know what an amazing mother you had and how she loved you both so very much! I will miss you always and you will forever be in my heart!!!
Jennifer Larson
November 10, 2009
I had the pleasure of first meeting Liza at CSUN back in '99 through our campus sorority Alpha Xi Delta. We had an instant connection during the rush process and she became my Little Sis. That was the start of so many fun times and so many memories that have brought such joy to my life. I am so thankful to have known her, and to have watched her beautiful family grow. My thoughts and prayers go out to her parents, to John, her children and her extended family.
Thank you Liza for being such an amazing friend! I miss you everyday!
Tim Winger
November 10, 2009
The news of Liza's passing hit me like a ton of bricks. How can a person with so much life, and happiness and love, suddenly be taken from us? I miss her dearly but keep her alive through my many memories and experiences we shared together.
When I think of love, I think of the glow Liza had when it came to her family. She called me up after meeting John at work and talked obsessively about how cute the guy was. It was as if there was an instant connection. Then when Elizabeth was born, nothing else mattered. Liza set out to be the best mom ever and I would say she succeeded. Joey came and Liza poured herself into raising her family even more. Nothing could get in the way of Liza's love.
XOXO
Teri Strote
November 8, 2009
I remember the first time John told me about you, his face lit up and he couldn't stop smiling I could tell he was in LOVE! He never stopped smiling,you were truly the love of his life. After getting to know you our whole family quickly felt in LOVE too! Thank you for being such a loving wife, mother and daughter-in-law! We love you and miss you everyday.
Love Cliff and Teri
Jill Javier
November 8, 2009
I will start with the day before you were born. January 5, 1980 was my wedding day. Your mom Lori was my maid of honor. She was as big as a house but smiled and stood by my side as my life with Jim started. The next morning you were born. I had Summer July 1981 and you were her first friend. I'll always remember good times at the pool, disneyland, zoo ect. Words cannot express my feelings of deepist sorrow for Lori and Len. I feel guilty..I have 3 daughters and my sister has lost her one and only. Lori I love you so much.
Rick Cipressi
November 7, 2009
Although we are 3000 miles away there are the times that I can remember shotputting you into the pool or seeing you watersking at lake tahoe or giving me the red carpet treatment when I or grandpa len flew out to visit you. There are too many memories that I can remember but not space to write. Hope to see you again in the penthose.Uncle Rick and Family
Tiffany Santoso
November 7, 2009
I met Liza through my daughter's gymnastics class. Elizabeth is one of the first friends my daughter ever made and Liza quickly became one of my favorite Mommy friends. Liza was an incredible Mommy. She was so proud of both Elizabeth and Joey. Liza was funny , sweet, and giving. I was honored to know her. I will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Shie Rozow
November 6, 2009
I knew Liza from Sport Chalet. We SCUBA dove together, and whenever I saw her she was always smiling and happy. We'd email, and she always sent me jokes or cute pictures. I was a casual acquaintance, and I miss her. I can't imagine how much her family misses her. My thoughts are with her husband and kids and the family she left behind.
Janice Cash
November 5, 2009
I will always remember talking with Liza while my son and Elizabeth had group at Progressive Steps. I looked forward to seeing her and having some social time. We would laugh about the little things and support each other with dealing with the stress of having a special needs child. She was always so fun and funny, I will miss her.
Barbara Fortman
November 5, 2009
Liza - you were the smiling face when we walked into the door at Sport Chalet. I remember going on a dive boat with you - you were the Dive Master for Richard and you spent the entire trip to the island puking over the rail! I thought, there is no way she is going to dive. But you were the first one in the water and spent the entire day with the beginning divers. We really miss you, Liza.
Yvonne Cipressi
November 5, 2009
Liza, when I visited grandpa Len & Lyle I reminded them how lucky they are to have you with them!! I will sorely miss you, all your photos you sent me to close the gap between PA & CA & most of all your sweet & calm compassion for everything we talked about.
November 5, 2009
Liza and I became dear friends while working at Sears in loss prevention. I will miss her deeply, but will always cherish our memories.
Annie Spencer-Pinckney
Belen Perazzo
November 5, 2009
It's hard to find the words to express my thoughts for you, I think of you daily and will never forget you. Theres so much i want to tell you and i cant. You were my shoulder when things were tough and my voice when i needed strength. I miss you and I love you.
November 3, 2009
You were the best sister-in-law...really. You were so accepting of all of us and desiring to be with us. I really enjoyed you...you were such a gift to our family.
You are deeply missed.
Sue Williams
October 29, 2009
I do not have the words to express to comfort your family in this time of grief. Lori I think about you often and offer prayers of comfort for you and Len. May you find comfort and solace with your grand children, who will need you for guidance for many years to come.
Laura Dills
October 28, 2009
I am so sad to have heard about Liza. What a special person and wonderful friend she was. I will look back on all of our memories with a smile. My heart goes out to Len, Lori, John and the kids. She will be so greatly missed! Her family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Mom & Dad
October 27, 2009
Liza was our everything. I can tell she was loved by many others also. Thank you all for your kindness, caring and prayers. Lori & Len
Miss Stella
October 22, 2009
Liza was one of my "recycled babies", having attended as a two year old in 1983 and then, as a mom with both Elizabeth and Joey in the mommy'n'me program at Newhall Park.
She will be greatly missed and forever in my heart!
Miss Stella
Erin Kowalczyk
October 20, 2009
I went to high school and played volleyball with Liza. She was always so nice and I was very saddened to hear that she had passed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Kelly Bader
October 19, 2009
I am so shocked and saddened by this news. Liza was one of the first friends I made when I moved to Valencia in the first grade. We drifted apart over the years, but I will always remember what a wonderful person she was. Her family is in my thoughts and prayers.
October 19, 2009
Lori & Len:
We are so terribly sorry to hear such tragic news regarding Liza.
We are thinking of you and send you our sincerest sympathies.
John and Adrienne Redstall
Lisa Hooper
October 19, 2009
On behalf of the entire Lady Cougar Volleyball family (College of the Canyons), I'd like to express our condolences to Liza's family and friends. I was shocked to learn of Liza's passing, particularly the circumstances. She was always in fantastic shape! Our thoughts and prayers are will all of you during this difficult time.
October 19, 2009
I am in shock of the news I heard this morning. I played volleyball with Liza at Valencia High School. She was an awesome player & a great person. She will be missed!
Gabriel Thatcher
October 19, 2009
Childhood friends that never got to reconnect. Even when Liza was 17, I could tell she was going to be a stellar mother and loyal wife. Looks like I was right. The world is less without you. Your Family will be in my prayers Liza.
Jenny Sehenuk
October 19, 2009
Liza and I were best friends in high school. We played volleyball together, we worked at Sport Chalet together and managed to stay friends after all these years. I am speechless with the loss of my dear friend.
Kathryn Pederson
October 19, 2009
I am in complete shock. I played volleyball wih Liza in high school and she use to give me a ride to school. My condolences to her family and friends.
Erika Wilson
October 18, 2009
I have not really known Liza for several years now, but we used to ride the bus together when we were in Old Orchard Elementary together. I know she was a wonderful person now just like she was back then, and I know she will be sorely missed. My condolences to her family and friends.
Jamie Cantwell-Chandler
October 17, 2009
I am shocked and deeply saddened of this news. I played volleyball with Liza at Valencia High. I will continue to pray for your family, and that God will bring you comfort and peace durning this very difficult time.
God Bless
chuck cebulak
October 16, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God Heal during this time..
God Bless
The Cebulaks
Jean Scearce
October 16, 2009
Dear Lori & Len,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Remember all the wonderful times you shared together.
God Bless you all.
Robi Kirby
October 16, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. I hope you find some comfort that she is now with our Lord and is watching over you all. God Bless.
Lori Bruessel
October 16, 2009
Liza was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. may your memories bring you some comfort.
Robin Silver
October 16, 2009
Dear Lori, Len, John, Elizabeth and Joey,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May you always remember the good times. Your Angel if watching over your family from heaven. Liza was an amazing woman and she will be missed. God Bless you all.
Love, Robin, Ted, Mike and Sami Silver
October 15, 2009
You will be deeply missed. You were alwasy a kind and caring person. RIP.
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