Virginia Ann “Jean” Strum
Aug. 28, 1938 — Sept. 6, 2014
Jean Connolly was born in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, the eldest child of Warren C. and Nellie Ann (Lindjord) Connolly.
She graduated from King’s High School in 1956. During a youth rally, she met the love of her life, Jim Strum of West Seattle.
In spring 1960, Jean graduated from the Wenatchee School of Nursing and became a registered nurse. Two months later, she married Jim and they moved to Alaska where he was stationed with the U.S. Army. During these early years of marriage, Jim and Jean welcomed their first three children, Jim, Bob, and Carol Ann.
Jim and Jean relocated to Poulsbo in 1966. After several years, they were blessed with another daughter, Julie.
Jean had many interests, including baking, sewing, rosemaling (traditional Norwegian painting), knitting, gardening and quilting (Martha’s Helpers quilting group) and she delighted in sending quilts around the world to people in need.
Her favorite way to spend time was studying the Bible and praying. Jean’s heart’s desire was to learn about Jesus and she shared often about the joy this brought her.
During the 1970s, Jean worked at Martha & Mary Nursing Home. Later, she spent more than 15 years providing care and comfort with Hospice of Kitsap County.
In their retirement, Jim and Jean loved spending time on Hood Canal, where their family gathered often, and spent winter with friends in Palm Desert, California.
Jim and Jean were separated for the first time in their 54-year marriage when Jim passed away in June. Three months later, Jean and Jim were reunited in Heaven. All four children were with her at her peaceful passing.
Jean is survived by her brother, Robert Connolly of San Marcos, California; children, James and Lisa Strum of Lynnwood, Robert and Marianne Strum of Poulsbo, Carol (Strum) and Ron McClung of Poulsbo, and Julie (Strum) and Samuel Pennoyer of Kingston; eight granddaughters, one great-granddaughter, and one great-grandson expected in October.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James A. Strum, and two grandsons, Gunnar and Hayden Strum.
Memorials may be made in Jean’s name to the Hayden R. Strum Endowment for cancer research at Children’s Hospital. (www.SeattleChildrens.org. Select the donation “other” and type in “Hayden R. Strum Endowment”.)
— Family of Virginia Ann “Jean” Strum
