Harriet Strom

Harriet Strom, age 93, of St. Charles, died on April 9, 2018.
Harriet was born on November 17, 1924, to William and Maria Masley. She grew up on a farm in Downers Grove, where she lived until she was 10 years old and attended a one-room school for grades 1-8. Harriet and her family then moved to a farm on Kaneville Road in Geneva, where she once again went to a one-room school, this time on Peck Road.
Harriet attended Geneva High School, where she worked on the school newspaper and was a cheerleader. Upon graduation in 1942, Harriet worked in an insurance office and had dreams of attending college. After four years, she left her job and moved to Champaign to attend the University of Illinois.
Shortly thereafter Harriet met her future husband-to-be, Harold Strom. Harold told Harriet he did not want to wait four years to get married, so Harriet did not return for her sophomore year. Harriet was not about to be a “farmer’s wife,” so she convinced Harold to become a feed salesman for FS. After they were married in 1948, they lived in Lily Lake and St. Charles. They were blessed with three daughters and a son during 42 years of marriage. Following Harold’s death in 1992, Harriet moved back to Geneva, where she lived until moving into River Glen in St. Charles when she was 90.
Harriet waited until after all her children were in school before returning to work. She became the secretary for the Assistant Superintendent of Schools in St. Charles. She had other duties during 32 years in the school district.
Harriet was an avid member of many social groups, many involving playing cards until she was in her 90s. She was also a volunteer at Delnor Hospital and an election judge. Harriet was a faithful member of Grace Lutheran Church of Lily Lake, where she helped with Sunday school and was an usher and reader. She also was in the church’s Roadrunners travel group. Harriet helped with many of the church events with the Rebecca Circle.
Harriet was a willing helper, whether it was for family or friends, and you could always count on her. She was there for her kids and grandkids and would attend every event, from choir to baseball and tae-kwon-do. Harriet was her family’s biggest fan and supported them in every way. She wrote her grandkids every week when they were in college and never missed sending a birthday card to friends and family.
Harriet loved to drive and still drove until she was 90. She would drive friends and family anywhere they needed to go. Harriet also took many trips with her kids in tow and her egg salad sandwiches. She had her special recipes. Some of her favorites were her heart-shaped Valentine’s Day sugar cookies, strawberry pretzel salad and rhubarb pie.
When she wasn’t in the car or making her recipes, Harriet was watching “Family Feud” or other favorite game shows. She loved showing off her children during their appearance on “Family Feud.”
On her 90th birthday, Harriet said: “You’re never too old to go out and have fun.”
She will always be remembered for her support and loving attitude, and never be forgotten.
Harriet is survived by four children: Nancy (Robert) McGowan, Suzanne Girsch, Carol (Ed) Elkins, Richard (Madonna) Strom; 10 grandchildren: Jeff (Kerri), Michelle (Dan), Erin (Eric), Greg (Kelly), Linnea (Martin), Jamie (Orion), Ryne, Jason, Tyler (Claire), and Nick; nine great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
Harriet is preceded in death by her parents, William and Maria; her husband, Harold Strom; four siblings: John, Art, Margaret, and Lowell.
Visitation will be on Friday, April 20, 2018, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Visitation will resume from 9-10 a.m., Saturday, April 21st at Grace Lutheran Church, 5N600 Hanson Rd., St. Charles, IL 60175 with a service to follow at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Harriet Strom’s name to a charity of your choice or Grace Lutheran Church. Tributes may be made on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook page or at www.conleycare.com.

A service to follow at 10 a.m.Saturday, April 21st at Grace Lutheran Church, 5N600 Hanson Rd., St. Charles, IL 60175

Visitation will be on Friday, April 20, 2018, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Visitation will resume from 9-10 a.m., Saturday, April 21st at Grace Lutheran Church, 5N600 Hanson Rd., St. Charles, IL 60175

An Internment will follow at Lily Lake Cemetery.