Helen Elsie Stromberg

1920 - 2022

Helen Elsie Stromberg

Helen Elsie Stromberg passed away February 16 in Chico at age 102. She was born in Eureka, CA to Richard and Elsie Albert. Her dad was an auto mechanic at Harper Ford and then owned a Texaco service station on 4th. Street in Eureka. Her mom was a homemaker and she and Dick raised her and her brother Richard in a cheerful house on L street. She graduated from Eureka High and attended Humboldt State for one year. She met her future husband on a blind date on a ski trip to Horse Mountain. Chester was a dentist in Scotia and then joined the U.S. Navy dental corps prior to their wedding on July 4,1942. Chet would joke that it was his " last Independence Day". Their first child Edward was born in 1943 when Dad was overseas. After his return he set up his 30 year dental practice in Eureka. Mom and Dad built and lived in a house on D street. Daughter Linda was born in 1946 and younger son Gary in 1952.
Mom lived 96 wonderful years in Eureka. She and Dad were great role models in raising their family,attending the Eureka Presbyterian church, and volunteering their time to many community groups. Mom went door to door to raise money from neighbors for Easter Seals and the Cancer society, was a Cub scout den mother, was president of the Travel club, helped with the church's women's group, PEO, and Humboldt Sponsors. She had many friends especially in her bridge clubs over the years and liked to have dinner parties(veal scaloppini) and to serve dessert after Humboldt State football games(apple pie). She had no problem hosting and feeding large family groups(Italian Delight).
Summers were spent at the Stromberg cabin in Redway. She taught her kids to swim in the Eel River and was quite proud of her ability to float for many minutes. She remained active throughout her life including an Elderhostel bike trip with son Edward to Germany at age 80. She enjoyed square dancing and traveling with Chet before his passing in 1997.
Helen moved to Chico in 2015 residing at the Terraces Lodge. She enjoyed the activities there including exercise classes, bus rides, excursions to plays and concerts. She continued to play bridge there with the Chico Women's Duplicate Bridge club. She also played a mean game of Blackjack and Left-Right-Center not to mention hauling away dimes and quarters from Bingo. Mom enjoyed the residents of the Terraces. She was always a people person. When meeting someone new, she would rather ask questions about their life then talk about herself.
Helen was predeceased by parents Richard and Elsie Albert, husband Chester Stromberg, brother Richard, and son-in-law Tony Nanez. She is survived by children Edward(Dorothy) Sacramento, Linda Nanez Los Gatos, and Gary(Marie-Pierre) Chico. She is survived by grandchildren Dan Stromberg (Tuscon, AZ), Mark Stromberg (Vashon, WA),Nick Nanez and Lisa Nanez- Mitchell (Los Gatos), Morgan Stromberg (Chico), and Tristan Stromberg (Ukiah). She is also survived by 12 great-grand children.
Our family would like to thank the staff and residents of the Terraces for 6 quality years of her life. Special thanks to Michelle Patterson who not only provided individual care for Mom the last 8 months but also became a loving friend to her. This was evident when Michelle helped her win last years Halloween costume contest and helping Mom attend grandson Morgan's wedding 5 days before her passing.
A Celebration of Life is being planned for the Terrace Lodge by Pastor Lou Diaz for immediate family and residents in March.