Arlene Barbara Strandberg

Arlene Strandberg (Strannie) died November 21 at her home in San Tan Valley, Arizona. She was born August 13, 1932 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Olga and Emmett She. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Marlys, her niece Wendy and her nephew in-law Dan. She is survived by her niece Bonnie, her great niece Tracie, her great, great niece Alicia, and her great, great, great niece Camille, and her close friend of 60 years, Ruth Swanson. Strannie's dad was Ruth's family's milkman when she was a child.

Strannie had many careers over her lifetime. She directed camps for Pioneer Clubs in New Jersey, Minnesota, and Arizona, was the Parish Worker at Wooddale Church in Minneapolis and was the Managing Editor for Success WIth Youth Publications for 25 years. For four years while living in Denver she directed and taught at the Denver House of Studies sponsored by Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. She was the activity director at Gilbert and Chandler Senior Centers for 10 years. When she and Ruth began spending summers at Rainbow Lake MHP in the White Mountains of Arizona she became the Activity Director at Venture In Resort in Show Low for 10 years. She loved her time working there. She said it was like going to camp everyday. She played piano/keyboard in a band called the Classics for dances in Pinetop/Lakeside and Show Low.

During the last 20-plus years Strannie was the director of the Spice of Life Senior Variety Show at the Chandler Center for the Performing Arts every March. When she realized she would not be here for the 2025 show she spent her last weeks getting everything in place making sure the show would go on without her.

Strannie touched many lives and will be missed by so many people. She also loved animals, especially cats and rescued several over the years. Thanks to Hospice of the Valley for their kind support during her last weeks.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Saguaro Camp Cedarbrook c/o Marilyn Barr 2851 E. Sierra Street Phoenix, AZ 85028 to provide scholarships for campers in Strannie's name.