Evelyn "Evie" Strasser

In Loving Memory of Evelyn "Evie" Viola Strasser
Evelyn "Evie" Viola Strasser, 72, a resident of Lakeville, PA, and Homosassa, FL, passed away peacefully with her husband by her side on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Dunmore. She is survived by her husband of more than three decades, James Craig "Strapper" Strasser.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Evie was the daughter of Vincent Elliot and Viola (Wassmer) Engvaldsen. She moved to the Hawley area from Brooklyn at the age of 14 and enjoyed growing up on Lake Teedyuskung. Evie spent summers on the lake sunbathing and waterskiing with her siblings. She worked as a waitress at Woodloch Pines Resort for more than 40 years. After leaving Woodloch, she worked at various places, including Van Gorder's Furniture, Blueberry Hill Furniture, Bold's Florist in Honesdale, and Twist and Shake in Lakeville. She was a past member of the Honesdale VFW Auxiliary and a member of American Legion Post #166 in Homosassa, FL.
Evelyn loved dogs and rescued many with her husband over the years. She also loved birds, especially bluebirds, hummingbirds, and cardinals. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, flowers, riding on the back of Strapper's motorcycle, and spending time with her grandchildren. In 2002, Evelyn traveled to Budapest, Hungary, while Strapper was deployed to Bosnia, and the two were able to meet and spend time together. After retiring, she traveled to Hawaii and visited many of our nation's beautiful treasures, including South Dakota and Montana. Evie also cherished group camping trips each summer with her close friends in Pennsylvania, creating many fond memories and laughs.
Although small in stature, Evie had a huge personality, which she needed to handle Strapper. Her larger-than-life sense of humor matched Strapper's, and some might say it was even bigger. She had a joy for life and loved spending time relaxing with her wide circle of family and friends. She and Strapper split their time between Pennsylvania and Florida, and she will be greatly missed in both places.
It is important to note that Evie also lived the life of a military spouse, which she endured with grace and grit. She remained a strong support for Strapper, keeping him grounded and serving as his rock through multiple combat tours. She was affectionately known as Strapper's "Abby," a nod to his technological challenges.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son, Matthew Holbert, and his wife, MaryEllen of Greentown; her stepson, James Craig Strasser Jr., and his wife, Samantha of Aiken, SC; her stepdaughter, Jessica Sakmar, and her husband, Alex of Hawley; her grandchildren, Ty Holbert, Jake and Felix Holbert, Jordyn, Charlotte, and Oliver Strasser, and Jude, Asher, and Alisandra Sakmar. She is also survived by her sister, Gladys Rabey of Somers Point, NJ; two brothers, Robert Engvaldsen and his wife, Gail, and Alan Engvaldsen and his wife, Marianne, all of Hawley; her sister-in-law, Rosemary Engvaldsen; her father- and mother-in-law, James and Paula Strasser of Lakeville; her sister-in-law, Valerie Andreychik, and her husband, David of Catawissa, PA; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Evie was preceded in death by her son, Lee Christian Holbert, whom she deeply missed, and her brother, Thomas Engvaldsen.
A Celebration of Evie's Life will be held Saturday, August 30, from 1-6 pm at Teeters' East Chapel, 505 Church St., Hawley, PA 18428.
In recognition of Evie's love for animals, donations in her memory may be made to Dessin Animal Shelter, 138 Miller Rd., Honesdale, PA 18431.