Jeannette Kay Strunk

Jeannette Kay Purdy Strunk was born in Elizabeth, N.J., on Dec. 3, 1932, to Kathryn and Alan Purdy. She died on Feb. 1, 2021, in her home in Raleigh, N.C. Jeannette lived an incredible life. She was best known for her infectious laugh; her famed baking skills; her steadfast commitment to service to God and her country; her unconditional love for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren; and her 74 year love affair with her husband, Art.

To say that Jeannette Strunk left an indelible mark on all who were lucky enough to know her would be an understatement. Jeannette was the middle child of the five Purdy children and adored by all four of her siblings: Alan, Barbara, Kenneth, and Teddy. Jeannette was an exceptional provider of sage advice to her younger brothers Kenneth and Teddy. One of the most retold childhood stories about Jeannette had to do with teaching her younger brothers how to light matches and then watching them set the yard on fire. Jeannette and her sister, Barbara, were two peas in a pod and delighted the rest of the family with their raucous cackling whenever they were together. Jeannette formed a strong bond with her brother-in-law and sisters-in-law and all of her many nieces and nephews. This was especially true of her loving relationship with Art’s two sisters, Margie and Phyllis, and their families. Jeannette was a devoted daughter and daughter-in-law and was her mother’s primary caregiver for two years near the end of her life, driving to New Jersey from Long Island every weekend.

Jeannette truly was the happiest person and often drove her children crazy by waking them up singing “You are my Sunshine, my only sunshine” at the top of her lungs until they would get out of bed. She found the upside of every hard situation her children faced over the years and they relied on he to be a shoulder to cry on or to share in the happy moments. She loved to talk, but always had time to listen. Jeannette was the best grandmother that her 10 grandchildren could ever ask for. Summers at Smith Mountain Lake eating freezer treats, swimming, and playing games will remain in their memories forever. Even in her later years, she went to swim meets, model rocket launches, and wrestling matches to cheer on her grandchildren.

Jeannette had a deep and abiding faith in God. She was the hands and feet of Christ throughout her 88 years touching the lives of too many people to number as a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Baldwin, N.Y. and at Trinity Ecumenical Parish in Moneta, Va. She taught Sunday School, Bible School, served as a Deacon and Elder, Moderator for the Presbyterian Women’s group, and played in the handbell choir. While she was not able to be as involved in church life in her later years, Jeannette enjoyed attending worship and Sunday School as a member of First Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg, Va., and at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Va., as well.

Jeannette’s passion for service also extended to the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America as a troop leader for all five of her children and to the Ruritan Club in Moneta, Va. She earned the honor of Ruritan of the Year for her dedication to her Smith Mountain Lake community. She was also passionately involved as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution both in New York and Virginia.

While Jeannette held several different jobs throughout her life she never thought of herself as a career woman. She would have told you her greatest accomplishments were as a wife, mother, and grandmother. Her husband, Art, was particularly grateful for her incredible service to the United States of America while he served in the U.S. Navy for 23 years. She even earned a letter of recognition from the U.S. Naval Secretary thanking her for her contributions and service in support of her husband and our country. Jeannette raised the first four Strunk children alone for six months of each year while Art was deployed overseas. As hard as that had to have been, she never complained and in later years always loved talking about all of the hilarious stories involving broken bones and small children puking and arguing on cross country road trips.

Jeannette met the man of her dreams when she was just 14 years old. Art had to do some smooth talking to convince her parents to let her date him since he was a Senior in high school at the time and two years older than her. He fell for her beautiful blue eyes and her smile that could light up a room. They were true partners in life and seemed to fall in love over and over again as each year passed. Their love for each other defied all the odds by withstanding the test of time and ultimately Alzheimer's Disease. Jeannette knew and adored Art until her last day here on Earth and died in his arms. She wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

Jeannette is survived by her husband of 68 years, retired Navy Capt. Arthur A. Strunk. Her surviving five children are Jeanne Strunk; Ed Strunk and his wife, Jackie; Art Strunk and his wife, Julie; David Strunk and his wife, Nancy; and Jennifer Baccus and her husband, Jarrod. Her surviving 10 grandchildren are Artie Strunk and his wife Kelly; Allison Strunk; Amy Strunk; Rebecca Hartneck and her husband, Travis; Erin Kapoor and her husband, Karn; Andrew Strunk and his wife, Elizabeth; Emma DeMent; Michael Strunk; Weldon DeMent; and Mary Evans Baccus. Her six great grandsons are Landon, Noah, Mason, Caleb, Oliver, and Luke. Jeannette will be smiling in heaven when her first great granddaughter, Olive, arrives later this month.

Jeannette’s family will be forever grateful for the care she received while at Brookdale of North Raleigh. The administrative staff, the dining room servers, and especially the CNAs who cared for mom all loved her and enjoyed her laughter throughout her final years. The exceptional staff at Nurses Next Door also stepped in to assist in her care and even they were able to connect with Jeannette as her joy filled spirit remained intact. Art is particularly grateful for the devoted care of Nurse Jason, who stayed with Art by Jeanette’s side during her final hours.

The family will have a celebration of life fitting this remarkable woman later in the spring at one of her favorite spots in Richmond, Va. Anyone wishing to honor Jeannette’s memory can make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.