Irma Josephine Strom

Obituary Irma Josephine Strom June 17, 1919 - June 13, 2012 Irma was born in Tacoma, Washington to parents William and Loda Mullen. She is predeceased by her siblings Loda Wadsworth Bond, William Mullen, and Dan Mullen. Irma attended Holy Rosary Grade School and Lincoln High School. She had many life-long treasured friends, including best friend Adelaide Mullen. Several of them were members of the Valeda Girls Club that was formed in High School in 1935. As a young woman Irma enjoyed spending time with her friends and attending dances at the Century Ball Room and the Swiss Hall. Irma married Norman Melvin Strom on September 6th, 1940. Norm and Irma were married for 69 years until his death in 2009. Together they had three children, Suzanne Simchuk, Norm Strom, and Mark Strom (Kathy). Irma also had nieces and nephews that she adored: Maureen Kramer, Mike Mullen, Kathie Stork and Danny Mullen. In addition to raising her family, Irma was active in the Catholic Women's Club and the Panorama Garden Club. Irma was known by her friends and family for her generous spirit, sense of humor and quick wit. She was also proud of her Irish heritage and greatly enjoyed celebrating St. Patrick's Day. Irma and Norm loved travelling and saw the world; visiting South America, Europe, Russia, Africa, Indonesia, China, India, Australia and New Zealand. Always adventurous, highlights of her trips included riding elephants, ostriches and dolphins, and parasailing and glider rides. Irma had a particular fondness for New York City and Hawaii, which they visited often. But the primary focus and joy of Irma's life was her family. In addition to her children, Irma is survived by her grandchildren, John Simchuk (Carrie), Jennifer Curd (Kelly), Amie Smith (Ed), Jill Hurd (Russell), Heather Strom Monahan, Luke Strom (Emily), and Alisa Xitco (Luke), and 16 great-grandchildren. Her life was centered around family gatherings and traditions, whether at their home in Tacoma or beach house on Horsehead Bay. Every birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and 4th of July was celebrated together, as well as family vacations to locations such as Hawaii and Mexico. As all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren can attest, Irma was a natural born grandmother. She was a beloved and an important person in every grandchild's life, supporting their interests, attending all of their activities, and making them laugh. She created a lifetime of special memories for each. She will be dearly missed. The family would like also like to thank Cindy Fobes for her love, care and friendship. Donations in her memory can be sent to Holy Rosary School, 504 S. 30th St., Tacoma, WA 98402.