Mary Ann Strong lost her 11 month struggle with pancreatic cancer on March 1, 2010. She died in the same manner she tried to live, "quietly elegant."
Until about 10 days ago, Ms. Strong was working in her yard, playing with her kitten Daisy, walking and enjoying time with her family.
Ms. Strong was born on April 21, 1934 in Omaha, Neb. She grew up in Western Nebraska, the oldest daughter of a small town country doctor and nurse. Ms. Strong became a registered nurse, but her real heart was with a young engineer from a neighboring farm town, by the name of Donald Strong-they were married for more than 54 years.
Boeing moved the young, growing family out to Seattle in 1957 and Ms. Strong became a wonderful mother to Sharon, Karen and Dwight. While teaching her children music, she found a life-long passion as a piano teacher on Magnolia. Exactly 629 students during the 35 years Ms. Strong taught piano received the special attention, love of life and self confidence that she developed individually in each student.
Ms. Strong leaves behind not only a wonderful positive legacy for her family and friends, but the love of her life, husband Donald, three children, Sharon Koss (Doug), Karen Bekins (Paul) and Dwight Strong (Susan). She has three awesome grandchildren, Lisa and Byron Bekins and Scott Strong. Mary Ann also had the love and support of her two sisters, Carol Goold and Dr. Ann Lott.
Celebrate Ms. Strong's amazing life at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 20, at Magnolia Presbyterian Church. Reception following. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to Magnolia Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 3051-28th Ave W, Seattle, Wash. 98199.[[In-content Ad]]
