Susan Margaret Strejan

Susan was the only child of Elsie Mae Webber (born 1918) and Frederick George Kahlert (born 1916). Her mother worked as a secretary at the Pentagon during its construction, where she is believed to have met Frederick. Her father enlisted in the United States Army directly out of high school and honorably served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. His distinguished 37-year career took him around the world before he retired with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4.

Susan was raised in Yankton, Oregon, on her grandmother Bernice’s rural property. Her early life was shaped by her grandmother’s strong values and steady presence. Due to differences in lifestyle between her parents—her grandmother favoring a grounded, rural upbringing, while her father’s career required more city-based life and travel outside the country—her parents ultimately separated when she was young. As a result, Susan remained in Oregon and had limited opportunity to fully know her father. Following their separation, Elsie built a long and dedicated career with “Ma Bell,” the Bell Telephone Company, beginning as an early switchboard operator and retiring in the 1980s. Susan was even featured in a Bell Telephone advertisement in the mid-1960s showcasing the then-new “Princess phone.”

Susan graduated from St. Helens High School with the Class of 1962. In the early 1960s, she worked as a nurse’s assistant before moving to Portland, Oregon, where she began working for the Home Insurance Company of New York. It was during this time, and within the same industry, that she is believed to have met her future husband.

On June 30, 1967, Susan married Eugene Gavrila Strejan at the Chapel of the Bells in Reno, Nevada. Around 1968, they purchased their first home in Gresham, Oregon, where they began building their family. Susan devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising their two children, Greg and Trish, becoming a dedicated stay-at-home mother during their early years. Susan and Eugene were intentional about celebrating birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries with loved ones, creating cherished and meaningful memories together as a family. In 1975, the family moved to Milwaukie, Oregon, where it continued to grow. Susan and Eugene also loved spending their spare time listening to music, especially live and local jazz or folk.

A few years later, in 1979, Susan returned to the workforce, selling real estate for Tarbell Realtor Co. She worked in the real estate industry for a couple of years before ultimately returning to her roots in the insurance industry, where she finished her career.

Susan found great joy in the simple and meaningful aspects of life. She loved gardening, nature, and wildlife, and spent countless peaceful hours tending to her yard, enjoying the beauty around her. She was an outstanding baker, a skill passed down from her mother and grandmother. Her baking—especially her pies—will always be remembered as one of the many ways she made people feel loved.

Susan was an avid sewer throughout her life and later developed an insatiable passion for quilting. Susan was often found designing and working on several quilt projects at once throughout the house. She created and gifted dozens of quilts in her later years to family and friends for various life events. She also had a deep appreciation for British culture, enjoyed reading mystery, spy, crime, and fiction novels, and was fascinated by genealogy and history.

Susan was lovingly known as “Gramz” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren—a name that reflected the warmth, humor, and unconditional love she gave so freely. Her family was her greatest joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Susan carried a deep belief that family is not defined solely by blood, but by love, connection, and presence. She welcomed others into her life with an open heart, embracing them as her own and creating a lasting sense of belonging for all who knew her.

Susan was preceded in death by her father, Frederick, in 1995; her mother, Elsie, in 2006; and her beloved husband, Eugene, in 2007. Despite these losses, Susan remained steadfast in her commitment to keeping her family connected and close.

Susan is survived by her children, Greg and Trish; her grandchildren, Alyssa, Devon, and Aubriella; and her great-grandchildren, Artemis, Atlas, Hudson, and Emery.

A private funeral for immediate family will be held. A celebration of life gathering for friends and family is scheduled for June 6th, 2026. Please contact surviving family members or check Facebook for details regarding time and location.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oregon Public Broadcasting, an organization Susan cared deeply about.

Susan’s life was one of quiet strength, enduring love, and unwavering devotion to those she held dear. She will be deeply missed, forever remembered and loved.