On September 13, 1935 Elizabeth Melvin Strong was born to Helen and Dexter Strong, teachers then at Pomfret School in Pomfret CT. She moved with them in 1951 to the state of Washington where Dexter was head of Lakeside School. When the Strongs moved to Hansville, WA in 1969, Liz began to participate in the life of Port Townsend, where she was a client of Port Townsend Community Options, lived independently at first in an apartment, and worked in a sheltered workshop at Ft. Worden, a shop she always referred to as “the Bakery.”
All the richness she gained from Gathering Place, from her caregivers, from the many people in the community who knew and loved her, was not lost on her and was deeply appreciated by her family.
Her humor and good nature were infectious. She died peacefully, only two days after a serious stroke, on March 18th 2019, cared for and generously supported by her staff and the staff at Jefferson Hospital.
Liz is survived by Joan and Tom Buell, Liz’s sister and her husband, of Portland OR, by her many nieces and nephews, and grands, great-grands and cousins, who remember her laughter, her forthrightness and her love.
There will be a memorial service.
Her ashes will be buried in Portland in the family plot which already holds five generation of Strongs and their relatives.
A Celebration of Life for Elizabeth Strong: Former caregivers and friends in the community are invited to join us Saturday, April 13th 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. to share our fond memories. 2526 Haines Street, Port Townsend.
