Betsy Strader

October 25, 1949 – August 22, 2018

“Betsy” Elizabeth Lee Strader was born in Palo Alto, California on October 25, 1949 to John Leland Strader and Sarah “Peggy” Elizabeth Robinson Strader. She died peacefully at her home in Stockton, California on the evening of August 22, surrounded by friends and family. She was 68 years old.

Betsy’s life focused on her passion for creative expression in many areas, including music, language, and graphic arts. During her school years, she had a series of outstanding teachers in these areas, who greatly influenced her choice of a career in teaching.

After graduating from Foothill High School near Sacramento, California in 1967, Betsy attended the Conservatory of Music at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, earning a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a secondary teaching credential.

Betsy began her 35-year career with the Stockton Unified School District by teaching string music. Eventually, she branched out to teach a broad range of subjects including music, art, and English as a second language.

She was an accomplished musician, having been a violinist with the Stockton Symphony. She also played the guitar and had a wonderful singing voice, performing folk and pop music from high school on.

Whether taking care of her mother, working on genealogy projects, or entertaining with her hospitality and great cooking, Betsy was always passionate about family. Her enormous extended family included schoolmates, former students and many from the local Latino community. Her generosity, honesty, humor and joy of living will be missed by all.

Betsy is survived by her brother, John B. Strader and wife Margaret of Aptos, CA, niece Sarah S. Strader-Garcia of Redwood City, CA and nephew John C. Strader-Garcia of Alameda, CA, cousins Ralph Robinson and wife Raye of Milwaukee, WI, Dan Robinson and wife Candy of Hales Corner, WI, Gene Robinson and wife Chris of Germantown, WI, Bill Moulder and wife Retha of Richardson, TX, Linda Kraus and husband Ron of Shelbyville, TN, and Beth Morris and husband Jim of Odenville, AL.

The family would like to thank the people of Optimal Hospice Care for their loving care and support. Memorial services will be held on September 18, 2018 at 11:00 am in Morris Chapel, University of the Pacific.