Marjorie Lee Strader

Marjorie Lee Strader, 85, of Boise, passed away peacefully Dec. 13, 2006 at a local care center. Marjorie was born on March 5, 1921 in Minneapolis, Minn. to Dick and Olive Stump. She moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho in 1925, where she was raised by foster parents Lou and Margaret Woodmansee. Marjorie attended Idaho Falls High School and graduated from there in 1940. During her teenage years when not taking vocal lessons she and her friends spent many hours ice skating on the river. A past time none of the ÒroustaboutsÓ would dream of letting their own children do. A weekly event was to attend 6 a.m. mass and then drive to Taylor mountain where she and eight or nine of her girl friends would cook their Sunday breakfast in the great outdoors. A summer time favorite was working at a dude ranch in Moran, Wyo. After graduation she moved to Boise and attended the St. Alphonsus School of Nursing and proudly graduated as a registered nurse in September 1944. In those days, the nurses lived Òon campusÓ in Marian Hall, participated in a three-year diploma course and were trained by a combination of the medical staff and nuns. Marjorie worked at the LDS Hospital in Idaho Falls after graduating from nursing school and later during the war years at Stoneman Hospital in Salt Lake City. She then joined the United States Army and served her country as a shipboard nurse in the Pacific from October 1945 until October 1947. She was awarded the American Campaign Medal, an Asiatic Campaign Medal, and a WW II Victory Medal while on active duty in the Pacific. Marjorie was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant, USAR, from Letterman General Hospital in San Francisco, California. Her time in the military also provided one additional benefit when Marjorie met Sergeant James H. Strader of Greenville, Ky. during her tour of duty. They were from totally different worlds that merged for the common cause of serving their country. Their shipboard romance blossomed into something truly exceptional and eternal and Marjorie and James were married on June 27, 1948 in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Over the years they were blessed with four children Ð Edward, Marilyn, Joseph and Carolyn. The family traveled extensively throughout the continental United States and abroad as well. Marjorie´s many organizational, homemaking, and first aid talents were utilized as they set up home in many ports of call. Various stops along the way included Virginia, Texas, Maryland, Kentucky, California, Illinois and New York; as well as Japan, Italy, and Germany before finally settling in Boise in the late 1960s. In the mid 1970s Marjorie returned to nursing and specialized in geriatric care. She eventually became Director of Nursing at Treasure Valley Manor and retired from this position in 1985. One of Marjorie´s greatest assets throughout her life was her enduring friendships. Mary Rita (Amos) Miller was a lifelong friend dating back to Marjorie´s first years in Idaho Falls. They attended as many high school reunions as possible; their 60th in 2000, being the last they attended together. While living on the St. Alphonsus campus she and her long time friends Betty (Reddick) Stadler and Aletha (Finney) Hill where the three some became an instant hit and have been affectionately known as the The Three Musketeers ever since. These friendships have been constant and always true. Also, her circle of friendship within St. Mark´s Catholic Community brought her much joy.