Mabel Claire Strashun

January 29, 1921 – January 21, 2013

      Mabel Claire Strashun was born in Denver, CO on January 29, 1921. She passed away peacefully at home on Bainbridge Island on January 21, 2013 just days before her 92nd birthday. She had happy childhood memories of Denver in nearby Cheesman Park and the Capitol grounds, roller skating, ice skating, and playing tennis.

      Claire met the love of her life on a blind date. Sumner (Bud) Strashun, a dashing young Air Force officer, was stationed in Denver, and after their courtship they married in 1943. Claire was very proud of her secretarial skills and served as secretary for several businesses in her 20s and later when her kids were in college. Claire and Bud welcomed three children into their lives, Edy, Nelson, and Barbara. Claire loved being a part of their activities and was enormously proud of her children’s accomplishments.

      Claire had an abiding interest in history including her own family story. With oral histories, compiled documents and photos, and with the help of family member Maggie Hemphill, she created hard bound copies of our family history which was much appreciated by all her descendants.

      With Bud, Claire traveled to more than 32 countries and wrote many descriptive travelogues of her journeys and adventures. Her homes in California and later in Wenatchee were interesting places to be, beautifully and lovingly decorated with antiques, collectibles and artifacts of her travels.

      Claire was also interested in current events and compiled numerous, amazing scrapbooks filled with articles cut from newspapers and magazines describing and discussing events of the day. Her scrapbooks covered other topics as well including documents of her grandchildren’s activities and achievements, and cut-outs from many sources of pictures and photos of things she found amusing or beautiful.

      Claire is survived by her children, Edith Nielsen (David), Nelson Strashun, and Barbara Hemphill (Thomas); grandchildren, Matthew and Mark Nielsen, Joan, Luke, Wesley, Timothy, and Joshua Hemphill; and great-grandchildren Levi, Benjamin, Bryce, and Oliver. Claire was preceded in death by her infant granddaughter Rachel Alexa Claire Hemphill and by her husband Bud.

      The family extends their heartfelt thanks to all who gave assistance to our mother, including Hospice of Kitsap, Anna and Stuart DuPen whose medical expertise was of great help and comfort, and Margitta Martin who offered Mom loving, skillful help and kept her looking glamorous to the end.

      Our mother had a very loving nature and an inquiring mind. She valued her family and their acquisition of a good education. She loved to laugh and to hear a good joke. Her warmth and loving support will be greatly missed.

      The funeral service for Claire was held on January 26 at Island Church on Bainbridge Island. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Kitsap.

      Please sign the online Guest Book for the family at: www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.

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