She was born in Portland, Oregon to proud & loving parents, Frank and Violet Van Loo. Her mother was from Liverpool, England and met Frank there during WWI.
Frances loved growing up in Tualatin. Riding her bicycle with friends, “Sunday Nature Walks “ with her friends and led by her father in his woods, bird watching, and her pets. . She graduated from Sherwood High school in 1939, feeling honored to be chosen May Queen of the school that year. Then on to vocational training and a job at Irelands Restaurant.
During this time she loved Roller Skating at Oaks Park to the music of the time.
Frances married Jack Strang, also a Sherwood High Alumni,
On May 21, 1942 in Long Beach, California.
They moved to Burbank, California in 1947 where they built a home & raised a family.
Jack worked at the Famed Lockheed Skunk Work’s Advanced Development Projects.
After retiring in 1989 they moved back to Oregon.
Frances loved dogs and supported both the Braille Institute Training Program and the American Humane Society.
She was a great cook and made the best Strawberry Shortcake and Lemon Meringue Pies ever!
While she did not enjoy sewing she made everything from beautiful original doll clothes to majorette outfits for her baton twirling, spoiled daughter.
She loved to crochet and many a friend & neighbor have a blanket made especially for them.
She loved to get out & go and was fortunate to travel to Europe, the Carribean, Panama Canal, Hawaii, Canada, drove the Alaska Yukon Highway, and camped or took bus tours all over the United States, and unusual trips on mail boats up rivers to remote areas.
She will always be remembered as a humble and sweet soul. She will never be forgotten and she will be missed, with sadness, every single day.
Frances was predeceased by her husband Jack in 2002, and is survived by her Son John Rory Strang of Milwaukie, Oregon and her daughter Kathleen Marie Taeger, her Son-in-Law Kevin Taeger of Catalina Island in Southern California. and her Grand Dog Pete.
Her family would especially like to express gratitude and immense affection for Nadya, a true friend, caregiver, and “daughter”.; always there to help. Sticking through with us to the difficult end.
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