Helen was born in Denver, Colorado to Sadie Elizabeth Bonger and Walter James Moose, the middle sibling of six children. In 1949, she married the love of her life, James Michael Stranger. The couple discovered throughout their journey they were a perfect match in every way, whether on the dance floor, the tennis court, or in their home as caring, attentive parents to their four children. To that end, Helen, a true creature of habit and a consummate homemaker, ran a tight, spotless ship that would give Martha Stewart a real run for her money.
Helen lived an exemplary life of service to God and others, a true feat in today’s world, requiring not only her strong sense of commitment but her unwavering faith and compassion for every person she encountered during her life. A loyal parishioner of the Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church, when Helen was needed, she always answered the call. She was particularly passionate about helping and empowering young women. She served as the program coordinator for Emerson School’s Teen Parent Program for many years and was an active member of P.E.O. International, a philanthropic organization dedicated to the advancement of women. Helen was also a diehard fan of tennis - everyone knew her favorite player was Lindsay Davenport - and gave so much of her time to the IGA Classic, a women’s tournament which brought the likes of two young teenage sisters, Venus and Serena Williams, to Oklahoma in the late nineties. Her grandchildren still cherish the autographed and encased tennis balls she gave them throughout the years.
More than anything, Helen was the most wonderful caregiver to her seven grandchildren, who considered her the matriarchal rock of the Stranger family. She made each grandchild feel unique and purposeful in his or her own way. To be a recipient of her unconditional love was one of life’s most precious gifts to them. Somehow Helen found endless, fun ways to show her affection whether it was constructing elaborate Easter egg hunts in her backyard or knitting blankets for the grandkids while she watched games shows like the Family Feud or her favorite, the Home Shopping Network.
And it can be said, without a doubt, Helen knew the fastest way to her family’s heart was through the stomach. While her signature chocolate chip cookies and baked banana bread were always to be found, the smells emanating from the freshly baked fudge and pizzelles in her kitchen on Christmas Eve were pure kryptonite.
Helen’s personality was unlike any other. Her quick, sometimes scathing wit was legendary, the stuff of lore, and remained intact, remarkably so, throughout her 92 years. Her laugh was infectious, if not a little mischievous. She was elegant and stylish, often allowing her granddaughters to sift through her highly curated selection of costume jewelry, one of their favorite pastimes.
Anyone who loved Helen knew how much she loved angels. Statues, figurines, you name it. And the truth is, she was one to so many people in her life. She still is, only now, she is in an angel’s rightful place, watching over and guiding us day by day, her wings carrying her family through their grief. She is there for us forever and always, her joy infinite, her love eternal.
She is survived by her 4 children, Robert (Mary), John, Thomas (Kathy), and Judith (Rex). As well as her 7 grandchildren, Emily, Jonathon (Kristen), Hope (Alessandro), Christopher (Emily), Sarah (Nathan), Chelsea (Alexa), and Kaitlin. She also was a great-grandmother to Wren, Giovanni, Kipling, and Jacob.
Due to the current pandemic a private graveside service will be held with a Celebration of Life planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Alzheimer’s Association.
