Helene O. Strayer

Helene Olive Strayer, a 61 year resident of Torrance, passed away September 23, 2012, at the age of 91. Helene was born December 19, 1920 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Johnstown High School, she attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She met Chalmers Strayer in Johnstown while working at National Radiator. In 1942 they were married in Glendale, California and celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary last year. After moving to Torrance in 1951, Helene became active as a volunteer for the Torrance Memorial Medical Center Auxiliary for over 40 years. Helene and Chal raised their four children in Torrance and were active in the Boy Scouts, Campfire Girls, YMCA, and Little League. For over fifty years their favorite vacation spot was Lake Tahoe, California, which also became the location for a yearly family reunion. After Chal retired, they also enjoyed traveling to many wonderful locations including Canada, Mexico, and Alaska. Helene was a devoted fan of the Dodgers for many years and loved her dogs, knitting, reading, cooking, camping, and playing bridge. Helene was a wonderful, caring mother/grandmother and a compassionate and beautiful human being, who will be dearly missed by all. Helene leaves behind her sons David Strayer (Jo Anne) and Gregory Strayer (Beckie), and twin daughters Patricia Strayer (Noel) and Debra Knudson (Dan), 15 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Services will be held on Saturday, October 6, 11:00AM, at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes. A message to the family can be written at www.greenhillsmortuary.com . In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to www.keeptahoeblue.org , or First Christian Church, Torrance, California.


Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275