Judy Ann Handy Strejc

Jan. 19th, 1939 – June 4th, 2014

Judy Strejc was born 1/19/1939 at Old St. Vincent’s Hospital in Portland Oregon. She died on June 4th, 2014 at the age of 75 from complications of a stroke caused by ovarian cancer at St. Vincent’s Hospital. She was raised in Gresham where she attended Lynch grade school until the 8th grade. Then she moved with her family to SW Portland where she graduated in 1957 from Lincoln High School.

After high school she briefly attended college, then met and married John (Jack) C. Strejc. They owned and operated “Hamburger Jacks” in Milwaukie and other fast food restaurants in the Portland Area. They had one daughter Tanya Lyn Strejc. After they divorced in 1971, Judy went to work as a customer Service rep for Pacific NW Bell and then GTE where she stayed for 22 years.

Judy enjoyed anything and everything throughout her life. Her many activities included fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, golfing, skiing, gardening, playing bridge, swimming, sewing, cooking and spending time in the kitchen, gardening, picking berries, pinochle, and any card game she could get someone to play. She loved classical music and going to the opera, symphony, and Broadway plays and musicals. Her summers were filled with the many outdoor concerts around town. She was fortunate to travel many places in the world including, Ireland, Switzerland, Greece, Mexico, Hawaii and many of the 50 states. She went on many trips to places like Boston, Nashville, D.C., Savannah, Charlotte. Alaska, Hawaii, Arizona, Palm Springs. March was the last trip she took with her daughter and grandsons to Big Island of Hawaii.

She was involved with many organizations and clubs in her life such as Job’s Daughters, Epsilon Sigma Alpha, Bergfreunde ski club, Parents without partners, and Servitus. After retiring and moving to Summerfield she became very active and involved with the Summerfield Civic Association joining many committees. She enjoyed the garden club and travel clubs, the architectural committee, and delivering the weekly Summerfield newspaper. She loved her daily walks and helping out any friend in need. She volunteered weekly at the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, Portland Center Stage, and Portland Art Museum.

She always stayed strong and determined through many of her health hurdles starting with a stroke 9 years ago after her back surgery, then two knee surgeries over the past 9 years, and a liver surgery, each time pushing herself back to health. She fought so hard with each battle determined to beat this one too. The Ovarian Cancer diagnosis and then a stroke on top of it came quick and suddenly in early May. Sadly this was one battle she lost.

Judy’s greatest joy in life was her daughter Tanya Strejc and her two beautiful grandsons Josh Liang (18) and Michael Liang (15).

“I have lived this life honestly and straight forward. I do not want you to mourn my death but remember me as I was to many different people. Warm to most and disliked by some. I was never as beautiful or as smart as some, but I always knew I had good common sense and lived within my means.”

In Lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made out to The Good Neighbor Center homeless shelter in Tigard or the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop in Tigard.

Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Portland, OR.