Bernice H. “Bea” Strom died June 8, 2008, at her home in Greenbank, at the age of 79. She was born Feb. 22, 1929, in Kinsau, Ore., to Fred and Helen Nelson.

Immediately following her birth, the Nelson family returned to their home near Tonasket, Wash.

Bea moved to the west side of the state, graduating from Bothell High School.

She met Jack G. Strom and on Aug. 26, 1949; they were married in Bothell.

Bea and Jack owned and operated a restaurant for a time in Kenmore.

With the birth of her two sons, Bea became a stay at home mom, raising her family. Jack was a machinist and carpenter and together, they built their home in Bothell.

They eventually purchased property in Greenbank and built a cabin. In 1971, that cabin became their retirement home as they became permanent residents of the island.

Bea enjoyed the out-of-doors and loved gathering mushrooms, gardening and clam digging. She was a skilled knitter and loved to create very complex patterns and also enjoyed crocheting.

Her husband Jack of Greenbank, two sons, Gordon Strom of Greenbank and Dean Strom and wife Kim of Kennewick, and one granddaughter, Stephanie Strom of Seattle, survive Bea.

Memorial services for Bea Strom will be held on Friday, June 13, at 11 a.m. at Burley Funeral Chapel with Pastor Bryan Boersma of the First Reformed Church of Oak Harbor officiating.

Private family graveside services were held at Maple Leaf Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.