Obituary for Constance Elder "Connie" Strang
It is with great sadness that the family of Constance Elder Strang announce her passing on March 30, 2022 at the age of 89. She went peacefully, covered with the love of her family, after a hard-fought battle with multiple sclerosis. Connie was the definition of strength and grace during the many years she fought the illness. Even though the MS eventually took away her ability to walk, it never took away her happy, beautiful spirit or her ability to enjoy all the blessings she had been given.
She was born to the late Clyde C. and Clara May Powell Elder in Kittanning, Pennsylvania--the baby in a large, blended family. While at Slippery Rock College, she met the love of her life, Donald Strang, who survives her. It was a college dance when Don asked her, ‘Do you know this dance?” and Connie responded, “You lead, I’ll follow!” And so began a great love story. A few days after their wedding in 1956, they jumped on a train to Canada for their summer job as camp counselors in the remote Canadian wilderness-the first of many adventures they would share as a couple. For over 65 years Don and Connie shared a marriage built on mutual trust, respect and love. They always knew that as long as they had each other, their family could overcome just about anything life would throw at them.
Her children and her family were the bright stars of her life. She was there to cheer on every game, to prop them up after a disappointment and to celebrate milestones by adding her special touch of beauty. Connie filled the house and our memories with her happy laugh. Although Connie traveled the world with Don-even visiting the Great Wall of China in her wheelchair--her favorite place of all was her patio, surrounded by her family, friends and her beautiful flowers. Anyone who visited her would leave with a lighter, happier spirit, some flowers from her garden and if you were really lucky, an extra piece of pie.
In addition to her husband, Donald, she is survived by her daughter, Linda (Terry) Bove, her grandchildren, Kevin (Allyn) Bove, Laura (Dan) Sklenka, Douglas (Amber) Strang, Rachel (Greg) Murrer and Bonnie (Jordan) Pierce; her daughter-in-law, Marilyn Kerr, and her great-grandchildren, Dustin, Easton, Camden and Presley Strang, Reagan Sklenka, Emmanuel and Liam Pierce.
She was predeceased by her son, David, who died in 2011. She was also predeceased by her sisters and brothers but is survived by many nieces and nephews and many wonderful friends from around the world.
Friends are welcome for a gathering at Beinhauer’s Funeral Home, 2820 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317, on Tuesday, April 5 from 10-11:30 am, where the Memorial Service will take place at 11:30. Interment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Baldwin Community United Methodist Church, 5001 Baptist Road, Pittsburgh PA 15236 (https://baldwincommunityumc.com/). Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauer.com.
She was born to the late Clyde C. and Clara May Powell Elder in Kittanning, Pennsylvania--the baby in a large, blended family. While at Slippery Rock College, she met the love of her life, Donald Strang, who survives her. It was a college dance when Don asked her, ‘Do you know this dance?” and Connie responded, “You lead, I’ll follow!” And so began a great love story. A few days after their wedding in 1956, they jumped on a train to Canada for their summer job as camp counselors in the remote Canadian wilderness-the first of many adventures they would share as a couple. For over 65 years Don and Connie shared a marriage built on mutual trust, respect and love. They always knew that as long as they had each other, their family could overcome just about anything life would throw at them.
Her children and her family were the bright stars of her life. She was there to cheer on every game, to prop them up after a disappointment and to celebrate milestones by adding her special touch of beauty. Connie filled the house and our memories with her happy laugh. Although Connie traveled the world with Don-even visiting the Great Wall of China in her wheelchair--her favorite place of all was her patio, surrounded by her family, friends and her beautiful flowers. Anyone who visited her would leave with a lighter, happier spirit, some flowers from her garden and if you were really lucky, an extra piece of pie.
In addition to her husband, Donald, she is survived by her daughter, Linda (Terry) Bove, her grandchildren, Kevin (Allyn) Bove, Laura (Dan) Sklenka, Douglas (Amber) Strang, Rachel (Greg) Murrer and Bonnie (Jordan) Pierce; her daughter-in-law, Marilyn Kerr, and her great-grandchildren, Dustin, Easton, Camden and Presley Strang, Reagan Sklenka, Emmanuel and Liam Pierce.
She was predeceased by her son, David, who died in 2011. She was also predeceased by her sisters and brothers but is survived by many nieces and nephews and many wonderful friends from around the world.
Friends are welcome for a gathering at Beinhauer’s Funeral Home, 2820 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317, on Tuesday, April 5 from 10-11:30 am, where the Memorial Service will take place at 11:30. Interment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Baldwin Community United Methodist Church, 5001 Baptist Road, Pittsburgh PA 15236 (https://baldwincommunityumc.com/). Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauer.com.