For years before I moved to Shore Harbour, I cycled by the lake and always stopped to admire Mary's garden. Now and then I would chat with her and let her know how much I enjoyed her work of art! In 2015 I became a neighbor and chatted with her, by the garden.  On the evening before her death, I had one of those chats by the garden. She talked about how she needed to "spruce it up" and how proud she was of the recent plant that was thriving, a palm of some sort.  She also talked with pride about how nice her place was inside. We made plans to get together for cocktails and celebrate the completion of all the projects in the community.  In any event, I want to share how happy she seemed and what a pleasant visit we had. She hugged me as I left. It was my first and only hug from Mary, but it was a good one! I wish, like all of you, it wasn't the last. I will miss her.

All of her neighbors loved her wonderful garden.  She loved sitting on her porch with Chief , enjoying the view and we loved stopping by to pass the time with her.   We will miss our wonderful neighbor!

The Koehler Family are sending our hugs and prayers. We were blessed to have Mrs Strong take care of our girls in the before and aftercare program , as well as in the clinic as they continued through St Jude’s .  We had are personal joke that she could never remember me as “Sherry” but as “Shirley- Shelly - what ever your name is !?!?” Always smiling and joking and so warm and caring ❤️ Nicole and I were lucky to visit and get hugs when we recently visited. We are so sorry for your loss. 

My condolences to the family. Mrs. Strong was my first teacher at St. Jude's. I had just moved so it was a new state and a new school starting 5th grade. It was hard time for a new kid but she was a fantastic teacher. I remember one of her jokes was always "Do you want a snicker?" As a kid, of course you say "Yes!" And then She gave you a little laugh and a big grin. As a child it was a terrible joke but now as an adult I love using it and remember it fondly.

Thanks Mrs. Strong for terrible jokes that I will remember forever and always greeting your students with a smile. May you rest in peace.

I am very sad to hear of Mrs. Strong passing. She was my first teacher at a new school and the teacher I think of first when I think about elementary school years. My sincere condolences to her family at this time. She made a difference every day she taught us little “jerks”!  May she RIP! 

To this day I can hear her saying. “You need not be doing that” to someone not doing what they were supposed to be doing in the room. That was her signature line!

We all knew Mary for the laughs and good times. For myself, both as a student and as a coworker, I would run into her in my travels at other schools subbing in the later years. We would stop and talk, she was always so happy and upbeat, she still had endless humor and never changed. She clearly loved being in a school and she did it so well.

Mary was such an amazing woman.  She taught me so many things when I was a first year teacher at St. Jude. She always showed such warmth and joy! We will miss you Mary. 


Mrs. Strong was my 4th grade teacher. She taught my younger siblings as well, and my mom was her coworker at school. She cared so much for children and the community and gave so much for so many years. Sending prayers and condolences to her family and friends. 

Monica Voglewede Taylor
St. Jude Class of '91

So sorry to learn of Mary’s passing. She was a beloved teacher and put her students first. My three children were taught by her and I am grateful she was part of their education. My son, Brian, had a very special relationship with her. He always told her first thing in the morning how much he loved her outfit. This always resulted in a big smile on her face. 
RIP Mary and thank you for a job well done!

My sincere condolences to the family. Mary was a devoted mother & grandmother extraordinaire.  The children were her reason for living.   She revelled in doting on them and all of their activities. The love between she,  Parker & Zoe is a beautiful blessing that continues through the veil.  
Love & strength during your grief,
Aunt Glenda 
🙏💔😇

OBITUARY

Mary Strong

March 27, 1944 – October 22, 2022

Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home

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