Geraldine (Geri ) Mae Strand passed away following a long illness surrounded by her family on April 24, 2017 in Mt. Vernon, WA. Geri was born November 28, 1927 to Howard J. and Myrtle I. Caldwell of Coggon, Iowa. She attended the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls studying Early Childhood Education. In April 1947, Geri and Carleton D. Strand were married at the United Methodist Church in Marion, Iowa, and began a 35-year partnership in farming, family and real estate sales.
Her interest in domestic and international travel, combined with her talent for art and photography, enriched her years as tour director covering Arizona, California, Colorado and Hawaii among others. She is survived by a son , Gary Strand ( Edie) of Springville, lowa; a daughter, Cyndi Toms of Oak Harbor, WA; and a daughter, Coni Kreisch (Ken) of Lake St. Louis, MO. Her legacy includes five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Caroline Smith of Cedar Rapids, lA.
A graveside service will be held at Sunnyside Cemetery, Coupeville, WA on June 17, 2017 at 3pm with Pastor David G Lura officiating. Focusing on her joy of gardening and support for youth education, in lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial fund with the Boys and Girls Club of Oak Harbor, WA.




"There is peace within a garden, a peace so deep and calm,
that when the heart is troubled, it's like a soothing balm.
There's life within a garden, a life that still goes on,
Filling the empty places when older plants have gone.
There's glory in the garden at every time of year.
Spring, summer, autumn, winter, to fill the heart with cheer.
So ever tend your garden, its beauty to increase.
For in it you'll find solace. And in it you'll find peace."

-Lady Rosamund Langham