Mary Ellen Strange left us much too early and will always be remembered with love and fondness by her family and friends.
Mary Ellen was born in Bloomington, Indiana to proud parents Wayne and Linda Strange. At that point, she already had two half- Read more...
Mary Ellen Strange left us much too early and will always be remembered with love and fondness by her family and friends.
Mary Ellen was born in Bloomington, Indiana to proud parents Wayne and Linda Strange. At that point, she already had two half-sisters, Sheri and Sara. During the next few years, sisters Jennifer and Kathy were born and the family moved to Texas, and finally Montana where the girls spent the majority of their school years. Mary was very gifted in sports, and loved adventure.
During her young adulthood, she began building her world-wide network of friends, whom she thought of as family. Working the spring, summer and part of the fall at Yellowstone National Park and then in the port of Skagway, Alaska allowed her to travel the world during the remainder of the year. She visited family and friends all over the states on her way to her world travels, and mesmerized all with her tales of the experiences she had and people she met in Peru, Europe and Africa. Mary lived the life that many only dream of. Material possessions meant little to this young woman, but friends and family meant everything.
We have the great priviledge of having been a part of Mary's life and know that she felt the same about all of us.
Mary, May you find peace and comfort in the arms of the Creator.
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January 3rd 2011
Friends,
Mary's Memorial Service was beautiful, with her love and presence noticably surrounding her family and friends who traveled from all reaches of the USA to attend.
Pictures of Mary from an adorable child, to an active teen and world traveling young woman adorned the walls. Her hand-made crafts and exotic finds filled tables around the room, and some of her favorite music filled the air.
Even though this was a time of great sadness, it was also a celebration of honoring the life that Mary lead. One most only dream of.
If you would like a copy of the slideshow that was played during Mary's Memorial Service, please send an email to smilynnsheri@yahoo.com along with your address and your relationship/friendship with Mary.
Please consider making a donation to Compassion International or one of the Ujama Projects in honor of Mary Ellen Strange. These are two of the charities that Mary Ellen supported and we know that it would be her dream for others to join in. The websites are listed below, and specific directions will follow in the days to come.
Online 1. Go to www.compassion.com 2. Click "Make a Contribution" 3. Choose a fund to give to 4. In special instructions, include "In honor of Mary Ellen Strange"
Phone 1. Call (800) 336-7676 2. Let the representative know that you need an honor card
Mail 1. Mail a check to Compassion International, Colorado Springs, CO 80997 2. Include a note requesting a honor card
December 10th 2010
Join us for a memorial service in honor of Mary Ellen Strange on Saturday, December 18, 2010 at 2:00pm at the Glendale Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennesse. A lunch reception will follow for friends and family to gather and share memories of our dear daughter, sister and friend Mary.
Click the link below for directions to the Glendale Baptist Church.
Mary I am not sure why things happen, girl I think of you so often. I have made mistakes that I believe are unforgivable. But I know you were a friend that would still stand by my side. You are a blessing to this world. You are extremely missed. I still have the pictures up from when you were in Billings and Colstrip when my son had surgery. I look at the picture and smile. I came across a postcard from you from Alaska. Girl I miss you. We will all meet again someday. I love you.
Amanda Marquis ,
November 09, 2011
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It is almost midnight and I have made it thru the day. One year ago today I received the call from the consulate in Ammsterdam. The questions are still there as to why but they may never be answered. Nevertheless my dear daughter, you are thought about often. Someday in heaven we will have a happy reunion. Don't have too much fun at the party without us. Love you always mom.
Linda Strange ,
November 08, 2011
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Where has the time gone Mary? I think of you everyday, longing for another visit from my dear sister, the world traveler. Your life lessons of true adventure and learning continue to make an impact on those you touched.
Rest gently in his loving arms. Aloha my sister.
Sheri Garza-Pope ,
November 08, 2011
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34 years ago today I gave birth to this wonderful girl. Happy Birthday Mary you are greatly missed. I work around birthday cakes all day long. Wish that I could make one for you. Love you. mom
a guest ,
March 05, 2011
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Happy Birthday Mary!
SARA ,
March 05, 2011
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We had plans for this weekend. I was supposed to meet you and Dad in Bloomington where we'd catch up with Kathy. I always looked forward to these times hearing your stories of your adventures in Peru and other places. We had fun going through the shops in Bloomington,you especially liked the yarn shop we found. I love you and miss you :( ....Sara
SARA ,
February 25, 2011
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You were one of the most wonderful and down to earth people I have ever met. You helped make my first winter in Skagway in 2003 a comfortable and easy transition and an overall blast. You were a fabulous roommate and friend, Abby is forever grateful for her warm kitty sweater you knitted her that winter. You will be greatly missed and forever remembered.
Melissa Telloni ,
January 19, 2011
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Mary, I always knew you were someone special, but that fact was confirmed by your friends who came from Alaska, Maine, and Chicago to Nashville to celebrate your life. It was a pleasure meeting the people in your life that meant so much to you. You left an impression on our hearts as none other could have done! I miss you, my little sister! Love, Sara
SARA ,
December 21, 2010
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Letter that Michael wrote for Mary - Read by Robert at the Memorial Service.
Mary I wish this letter could reach your hands, but for now it will have to reach your heart....
There are many things that we are seeking in this part of the journey, sometimes we find it, sometimes we do not - but without a doubt, we meet many upon the road that will forever continue to be with us, here and on the other side of this world.
Like many others, I too enjoyed stories of your travels. I wish that I could hear the stories of your travels now... the stars and moons as you now trail blaze across the distance suns that glow through the darkness of the universe, the wonder of the colors that must baffle the mind to gaze upon, the mysteries of the cosmos that astrologists can only guess about.... the angels that guide you, and the actual form of the human spirit that sails like a phoenix for all to see.
And as wonderful as those travels must be, I wish it were not so. I wish you were still here with us, for some will not say it - but I am a lot like you. I will say what it is that I feel.... All of us are not ready for you to be upon that journey, and wish with all we have - that you were still here, still close, still traveling the jungles of the world, still doing so much for all whom you come across ......
I miss you. You are loved. Always have been, always will be.
Our spirits are the same, and I know that one day, we shall meet upon that distant path that only the adventurer travels....
Michael
Sheri Garza-Pope ,
December 19, 2010
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I'd like to share my two favorite memories of Mary. The first is from the summer that I met Mary - 2002 in Skagway, Alaska. One afternoon, late in the season, a group of us were headed off somewhere. The first snow had fallen in the mountains and as we walked down the middle of Main Street, the tops of the mountains were glowing light pink from the sunset. It was a beautiful image. I was walking arm in arm with Mary and I remember thinking what an amazing summer it had been and how lucky I was to have made such a great group of friends.
The second memory is more of an image - one that I was fortunate to see several times over the past few years. Mary, on my doorstep, with her two huge back packs...what a sight for sore eyes. I am so glad that Chicago always seemed to be on Mary's path as she set off or returned from her adventures. Those backpacks held so much, including all the wonderful memories of friends all over the world. I so admired Mary's ability to just pack up and go...to Peru, Africa, New Zealand, where ever...such courage to travel to those place all by herself usually.
Mary was a dear friend and I will miss those visits.
Grace Van Moer ,
December 18, 2010
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Like the tie dye shirts you so carefully crafted, You left a unique impression on each of our hearts.
Sheri Garza-Pope ,
December 16, 2010
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My Friend Mary,
I’m going to miss you when you don’t come home in March. I’m going to miss hearing about your exotic travels, your time with Rachel and her kids and of the children you’ve simply “held” in South American orphanages. When I was in in Latin America I saw you in the eyes of the poorest children
I’ll miss the spices you had to share from Zanzabar, and the time we spent creating new things in my studio or your apartment. I’ll miss seeing you on the street with little Leo or at dinner with the Lucchetti’s or dinner with Rain at some restaurant. I’ll miss our fall, end of the season, hang out times. I’ll miss your strength when I need someone to lean on and your frank honesty even when it wasn’t always what I wanted to hear. Quite honestly, I miss you now. All that said, all my memories of you are good ones. You done well by me as a friend. Thank you for all your strength, your selflessness, and your inspiration.
Bruce Schindler
Bruce and Hana Schindler ,
December 16, 2010
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An Ode to Mary
You left us too early Why did you go? There must have been something that was hurting you so.
You left us too early no time to say bye. We try to be strong, but in lone times we cry.
We look at your photos they bring us a smile, of you as a woman, of you as a child,
We look at your photos there's much to be said. Adventures and travels of the life that you led.
A short life on earth but a full one indeed. Filled with fun times and laughter, that is agreed.
A short life on earth has come to an end. We'll mis you dear daughter, dear sister, dear friend.
You reached for the heavens and there may you rest in the arms of the Savior happy and blessed.
You reached for the heavens you reached for the stars. And to say to we knew you the privelege is ours.
SARA ,
December 15, 2010
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Posted on behalf of Len and Lucille Wilson
We did not know Mary well, but we were sad to hear about her untimely death. We met Mary and worked at SOS in Skagway, Alaska. Rest in peace Mary. Know that you will be remembered in our prayers always. Your gentle, loving ways and smile made the world a better place.
Len and Lucille Wilson
Sheri Garza-Pope ,
December 15, 2010
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Posted on behalf of Bob and Dee Shirey
Dee and I are very much in dismay with the lose of Mary. We both though the world of her, she had such a very nice outgoing personality. With all the pressure of the store she always had a nice word for everyone with a good morning or hi. Dee and I will look back on the last two years we knew her with great pride. We were so fortunate to know this wonderful woman we will miss her dearly.
With our deeps regrets Bob and Dee Shirey
Sheri Garza-Pope ,
December 15, 2010
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My time in Skagway, Alaska was made brighter by the smile and friendship that Mary gave me personally and to all who knew her. I am sad that she will no longer greet me there, but I know that she leaves within each of us a little bit of her lovliness, so she will always be remembered within our lives. I love you Mary and may you now continue on your heavenly travels. My love and prayers to the family, I will keep you all in my prayers.
Rosalinda
Rosalinda Basso Walsh ,
December 14, 2010
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Posted on behalf of Louise & David Hawkins
I was a friend of Mary's from Skagway. I received the message about the memorial site and have been on it but have not been successful in figuring out how to record my thoughts. Anyway, I wanted to tell you how very sorry I and my husband David are for you and your family--and for us. We've know Mary since our first year working in Skagway--2002. She used to come out to our park, have dinner with us and play pinochle. She was always part of our life us there and we really enjoyed her. I liked the necklaces she made and asked her to make one for my daughter. After she made it, she showed up at work one day and had made one for me too. I will treasure it. The last year we went to Skagway, Leo Lucchetti was about 6 months old and Mary and I hiked up to Reid Falls with Leo. I have a picture of Leo and me on my refrigerator that Mary took of us that day. Then, about 2 years ago, on her way back to Alaska from Peru, Mary stopped off in Seattle, WA and stayed with us in our motorhome for 10 days. She and I did lots of experimenting with new recipes and made some wonderful food. She was a great cook. I never thought that would be the last time I would see her. Even though we workers were all much older than Mary, she always treated us like equals. She had such a wonderful easy way about her. As you know, she had many friends all over the world, like us, who are devastated at the loss of this wonderful woman. May you take comfort in the fact that she left her mark wherever she went.
Our sincere sympathy Louise & David Hawkins
Sheri Garza-Pope ,
December 13, 2010
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Posted on behalf of Charlie and Nancy Anderson
We shall never think of Skagway, Alaska without her in our thoughts. She was a very special lady. I enjoyed seeing her smile each morning. I always was hoping that she had left some of her goodies in the break area for all of us (which she did often). Whenever anyone was feeling badly, she would bring some of her special tea to them. Whenever any of the employees in SOS needed anything she was right there. She took great care of the people in SOS. She touched all of our lives in a way that we will always have her in our thoughts. We hope that she is looking down on us now and knows how we felt about her. Thank you Mary for making our stay in Skagway (2010) one filled with great memories, Charlie and Nancy Anderson
Sheri Garza-Pope ,
December 10, 2010
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The day would be long, the steps to the stock room seemed steep by the end of an eight hour work day at Corrington's Ivory. Everyday around closing Mary would enter the store. With a big smile and a hello Glenn, I suddenly forgot the tiring day. I felt renewed strength.I will miss that wonderful energy. I will miss Mary.
Glenn ,
December 10, 2010
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My dear Mary, I haven't been there all the time in moving back and forth from California to Colstrip. But I have had many fond memories of you. I was always so happy for you because you were always a free spirit and I envied that. You were a great friend to me. I think about you everyday. You were there for me when my son had surgery at six weeks old. I will always be eternally greatful for meeting you and having you as a friend. I have been blessed to be a friend amoung your many. You have touched my life and my families. Now you can be as adventurous as you want to be. You will truly be missed.
Amanda Marquis ,
December 10, 2010
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Mary,,Ive known you for over 16 yrs. We met in Colstrip at church. We became instant friends.You where the one that started calling me Tina J lol. Some people even thought that perhaps we where sisters lol. I think in the 16 years ive known you we have had one disagreement. You always had time for me and always made me feel important to you. We have done some many things together and shared so many memories. From sitting on the steps by the town pump eatting jo's and drinking mountain dew just talking, to coming down to your room when you lived with me and sharing an all night craft..You where there when I was married and where the one true friend that was always here for me. Your kind spirit and positive look on life was amazing.. No matter what happened you always turned it around and gave me a reason to smile and laugh. We could sit and talk for hours and never run out of things to say. You are so unselfish. You always think of everyone around you before yourself.I can go anywhere in my house and find things that you have made me and my children. I wish I would have gotten more time with you in this life. But I know that God has another very special angel in heaven now. My life has truly been blessed by knowing you and having the priveledge of calling you my friend.. I love you and will miss you friend.. Your Loving Friend, Tina J
Christina Long ,
December 08, 2010
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I have so many memories of Mary and I. If you ever needed anymone to talk to she was always there for you. She helped me through some preaty hard times in my life and I never forgot that about her as time went on. I miss all the laughs that we shared on church camps we went to or just haging out and talking. You were my best freind and I will never forget you. Love and miss you Lynnelle.
Lynnelle Booth ,
December 03, 2010
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I was hoping to reconnect with you Mary, as I have with others. You always had this calming force around you, which often helped settle me during those turbulent high school times. To you it seemed like there were no need for cliques, you just were and that was awesome. You amazed me with your craftiness and braiding with two strands of hair – is that possible? :)You often braided my hair if not always braided my hair for volleyball and chatted up the current events as we journeyed through multiple seasons. I look back at my childhood and how much you touched me. Even then you were the calming, steady rock for all that entered your sphere. You were wise beyond your years, may you find peace and excitement on your next journey.
With love, Holly
Holly Hofer ,
November 30, 2010
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I have so many memories of Mary through basketball and volleyball. She was so amazing. Her will and drive to be her best. She complained very little and worked very hard. One of my favorite memories of Mary was on the bus on the way to a game. She was sitting toward the back of the bus and was quietly reading. Being on the louder side myself, I was intrigued. I made my way over to her, sat down and started talking to her. At first, we talked mostly about what she was reading and the crazy volume on the bus. Eventually we started talking about deeper things. I don't remember all of the specifics, but I have often remembered the feeling I had as I talked to her and as I went and re-joined the louder bunch. She brought not only a sense of peace and contentment, but also a feeling of inspired knowledge. It's actually difficult to fully describe the feeling, but that's the gist of it. She is among the few that I've not reconnected with that I really had hoped to talk to again. Mary, I should have told you what you meant to me - then and now. I will carry you in my heart. May the strength I saw and felt in you then, carry you and let you be at peace.
Kristi Morlock ,
November 30, 2010
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My first memories of Mary was when she was an infant. I remember she talked at about 6 mos. she would say "wassat?" (What's that?) I lived with Dad and Linda at the time, she was always a happy girl! Then the family moved to Demotte,In and not too long after that to Wyoming for about a year. Then to Houston, TX which was where they lived in 1982 when I got married. Dad came to IN to walk me down the aisle and Mary was my flower girl at age of 5. A move to Montana followed that. We visited a couple times in Montana and Linda and the girls came to Indiana. I remember Mary being a teenager , maybe 14 or so and made chocolate chip cookies at my house WITHOUT a recipe. Certainly impressed me! Mary was very crafty, doing quilting and beadwork. I believe she was the one who taught my son John to do bracelets from embroidery floss. She was adventerous, for sure. After her freshman year in college she spent the summer in Yellowstone Nat'l Park on a mission project, then announced to her parents that she wasn't going back to college, but was going to live at Yellowstone instead. Mary never worried much about how she was going to earn a living, she would seek out opportunities as they came along.Mary, growing up in MT where the pace is slower was freaked out by the Chicago drivers when she would come into the city. One time we were going to my son's wrestling match and she opted to drive herself. The high school is just 8 blocks away, but Mary came along 15 minutes later just as relaxed as could be. ( I was worried myself). In the past 4 or five years I was priveleged to spend time with Mary as she was either enroute to Peru or back home. I treasure the times she would tell of her travels and share her photos with us. Mary was not much of a shopper in the sense that most girls are. She was pretty simplistic in her lifestyle. But we did shop prior to her travels for supplies for the children in Peru. Mary also liked yarn! And she knitted and crocheted many hats, scarves and the like for her friends and the kids she saw in Peru. She even told me that she taught some of the women in Peru to crochet. Why Mary never had children I don't know because she would've been a great mother! She could cook as well!! I often said that even if I were younger I don't think I would have the gumption to do half of the things that Mary did. I lived vicariously through her as I believe my other sisters did as well. She lived her life with few regrets and I will always admire her for her adventerous and generous spirit.
SARA ,
November 30, 2010
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We worked with Mary in 2008 . We enjoyed her very much. We will miss her alot ...she was a great person..we have another angel ...
christy ,
November 22, 2010
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I added some photos ("Our friend Mary" (to check out the albums -just sign in and click on share a memory). I hope to add more pictures the more I find. These are pictures from 2007 when my second child was just small. Mary would come and visit with a lot of yarn and crochet all day and night. We were always the happy recipients of handmade hats and scarves. Everywhere I turn in my house is a warm happy memory of her. There are so many great times that I had with Mary and I am sad that I don't have her yearly visit to look forward to anymore. I hope that I was a good enough friend to Mary because she certainly was the greatest friend I could have had. I miss her a lot. God Bless us all.
rachie ,
November 21, 2010
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On May 4, 2008, Mary made a "Sock (shaped) Cake" for my birthday. It meant a great deal to me since it was the beginning of the season and she took time out of her very busy schedule to craft it especially for me. She was very creative and thoughtful. Thank you, Mary, for 4 fun seasons at SOS. I will remember you and the cake on all my birthdays as well as everyday I work at SOS. I thank you for teaching me so much and will always work with the motto, "WWMD", what would Mary do? I miss you.. The "SOS Socklady"
Katrina
Katrina Penington ,
November 21, 2010
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I loooked forward to seeing Mary every weekend. Mary and Leo, or Mary and Rain, or sometimes just Mary. Mary had heard that I was having some diatary issues and generously brought me some delicious halibut. Mary was such a kind, gracious, lovely woman. I will miss her.
courtnay hudson thoe ,
November 20, 2010
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To a lovely daughter that I was proud to have as mine. I will forever cherish the many hours that I listened to you play the piano. Especially the song. "We are standing on HOly Ground" The many times that we went together to Lame Deer. the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. so that you could help in the church and work with the kids. I will miss your smile. your sitting around doing bead work. your cooking and your love of life and adventerous spirit. I remember once you saying "See that mountain there mom. we were in Gardiner. MT. I am going to climb it and I being afraid said" don't tell me when. just tell me when you have come back down and are safe," Well. now go climb your mountain. We will see you again someday. Love you mom Linda Strange – November 18, 2010, 11:49 pm
Sheri Garza-Pope ,
November 20, 2010
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When you were an infant, I held you in my arms as you slept peacefully dreaming of heaven.
Today, I held you in my arms again, and know that you have found that same peaceful sleep in heaven.
Aloha my darling sister.....
Sheri Garza-Pope ,
November 20, 2010
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Mary my fondest memories of times together are in Skagway Alaska at the Clubhouse singing and laughing with everyone, Jerry Epps cooking on the grill and you shaking and making margeritas for our Beach Theme Party. But best of all were those tortillas or whatever those things were that you made homemade...I will wear your hat in the winter and remember your smiles...much love my friend you will be missed....
Denise Steilberger ,
November 19, 2010
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I will always hold you in my heart, see your smile and hear your laughter. Thanks for being my friend
jeanie
Jeanie Harlin ,
November 19, 2010
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you were one of the most friendly caring person i have met. you may not have known this but you made me a better person. Thank you. i will miss you.
robert gutterman
robert gutterman ,
November 19, 2010
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First thing I noticed was your wonderful smile. It was always there, shining like a beacon. I enjoyed the stories about your travels, and to hear about distant lands you visited. Working with you was a joyous pleasure and I will keep those memories close to my heart. It was always a pleasant surprise when you made treats for us, and providing a great atmosphere to work in. Skagway will always be one of my fondest memories and you will be one of the reasons that it was. Peace be with you as you embark on a new adventure.
John Maruffi
a guest ,
November 18, 2010
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It was such a pleasure meeting and working with Mary this past summer in Skagway. I feel honored she was a part of my life, if even for a short time.
Thank you for the wonderful treats you cooked up to brighten our days, and the hot spiced teas that warmed me up on those cold Alaska mornings. I still have a bag of the spices you gave me.
Thank you for your smile...and sharing your Spirit.
I Wish You Peace Diane Maruffi
Diane Maruffi ,
November 18, 2010
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From Michael about Mary-I found myself thinking of the time we sat on the balchony & talked of life.it's so weird how someone you haven't seen most of your life can be at the same point. There is just a great appreciation & comfort - the cross roads of life. May Mary's travels continue and her spirit discover the secrets of the universe, for isn't that what we are all truely after? Thus we march on.
(Sheri's son/Mary's nephew - one yr younger than Mary)
Sheri Garza-Pope ,
November 14, 2010
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Aloha my dear sister Mary. From a sweet little girl to a loving, world traveling woman - you are a role model for many who only dream of daring to live the life you did.
I cherish the memories of cradling you in my arms as a young baby, playing with you as a child and laughing with you as a young woman. Your visits here to ATL with Dad were some of my favorite times. You never ceased to amaze me with your sense of adventure and your genuine caring for others.
Fly like an eagle and roll with the stream until we meet again my dear Mary.
Your big sis, Sheri
Sheri Garza-Pope ,
November 14, 2010
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