June 17, 1964 – September 12, 2012
Kelly Ann Strome (nee Burden), 48, passed away on September 12, 2012. A long-time resident of Bend, Kelly was taken away from us far too soon by metastatic melanoma. Thanks to her incredible determination and faith, plus her sense of humor and feistiness, Kelly outlived her prognosis by over two years.
Kelly is survived by her husband of 27 years, Gregg Strome, by their son, Zane, and by her nephew, Julian Nazario, whom she and Gregg helped raise and considered to be their son. She is also survived by her parents, Ken and Arlene Burden; her siblings, Kim, Ken, Kraig and Keith; her sisters-in-law, Sharon Burden and Tracy Burden; and brother-in-law, Paul Schroeder. All her family will miss her immensely.
Kelly had many dear friends and close colleagues, who will miss her immensely as well. Kelly also had seven doggie companions—Toby, Missy, Talon, Heidi, Ruby, Gretta and Charles — whom she loved a lot and whom loved her back just as much.
Kelly, who graduated from OSU with Bachelors of Arts, Liberal studies in 1992 and EOSC with a Masters in Teacher Education in 1993, was a 1st grade teacher at Tumalo Elementary School for 19 years. She was a patient but firm teacher who was deeply dedicated to and cherished by her students. Many of her students, in fact, stayed close to her for years or even decades after they left her class. .
Kelly was a successful and lifelong athlete. Kelly excelled as point guard at Junction City High School and she continued to shine as a point guard (#11) at Pacific University and Mt. Hood Community College. After college, she put her considerable energy and skill to use in wider variety of activities, including skiing, cycling, running, hiking and swimming. She loved all of them and readily shared her enthusiasm with others, including a 16 year stint teaching swimming at Juniper Swim & Fitness.
Spending time and having fun with her family was Kelly’s greatest joy. Kelly and her husband, Gregg, had many fun-filled adventures together over the years, including mountain-climbing and skiing trips in the United States and Canada. She and her son, Zane, recently returned from a trip of a lifetime to Australia. And closer to home, Elk Lake was a favorite spot for the family.
Kelly fought valiantly against the cancer every day, and she left no stone unturned in her battle against the disease. She was a woman of faith as well as a fighter, and throughout her illness she impressed all those around with her courage, her spirit, and her sense of humor.
In lieu of flowers, Kelly requested that contributions be made to Meissner Nordic (http://www.meissnernordic.org/). A private gathering will be held at a date to be determined. The family would like to give special thanks to Providence Hospital and Cancer Care of the Cascades and Partners In Care/Hospice and all of the friends and volunteers that helped with meals, housework and emotional support.
