Monica Rosalind Strunk

YAKIMA - Monica Rosaland Strunk, age 73, passed away December 10, 2013. She was born May 18, 1940 to Walter and May Wilding in Northwood, England. She grew up in Ruislip Manor, England and was quite young when London was bombed in WWII; during those times, she would stay at her grandfather’s pub, named “The Star.” She began her love for the ocean when a child as well, and would recall fond memories of visiting the beach, hunting for “winkles” (small edible sea snails), and enjoying a seaside feast with family. At the age of 16 Monica was taken on a trip to the continent to visit Majorca and other stops along the Mediterranean, and her love for travel was born.

While attending school in England, Monica earned a scholarship at the Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls, then continued on to University of Leicester where she earned her degree in education.

Monica taught in London for 9 years at Old Oak Junior School before meeting Melvyn, an American Airman stationed in England. His landlord and her parents introduced them. They quickly found many things in common, and it wasn’t long before Cupid’s arrow found them both. They married within a year and moved to the United States. Melvyn’s joke through the years was that the best souvenir he brought back from England was Monica. They had a strong, loving, adventurous marriage. Monica often told her daughter that she married her best friend and hoped that her son and daughter would find the same. Even though the decision to move to the United States created some challenges for Monica, she was able to teach again, became involved with several organizations, and established strong friendships.

She taught at Egremont School in Encino and Curtis Elementary in Los Angeles. She was a well-respected and loved teacher by staff, students, and parents as was evident from the numerous letters of thanks she had received.

Teaching was one of Monica’s greatest passions. She loved kids, especially the more challenging ones. She was strict, but also creative, understanding, and knew how to use humor. She was also a voracious reader, an excellent gardener, and loved to go camping with Melvyn and her two children during the summers.

Monica is survived by her husband Melvyn, her son Matthew, and daughter Melina.

A Memorial Service will be held for Monica June 7, 2014. To share a memory of Monica, please visit www.keithandkeith.com.