Obituary of Katherine Strome

Katherine was born on February 5, 1920 to Amie and Seeley Van Riper.  She joined her five brothers and sisters Seeley, Ted, Mabel, Marge and Bette in their Totowa home. Kay attended the Paterson schools and graduated from Central High School excelling both academically and athletically.  After graduation she worked as a long-distance telephone operator.  Kay was introduced to Carl Strome through mutual friends.  They were married in a candle-lit ceremony at the Clifton Reformed Church on Christmas Eve 1941.  With the birth of their daughter, Carla, she became a stay-at-home Mom.  Their second daughter, Linda, was born 18 months later.  In September of 1947, Kay and Carl bought a house in Oakland, NJ which would be her home for 76 years.  Their youngest son, Kenneth, was born in Oakland. 

As the family grew older, Kay returned to work as a telephone information operator and retired after 26 years of service.  Over the years, she was a member of Ponds Church and active in school PTAs, the Recreation programs and Senior Citizens.  Carl, her husband of 54 years, predeceased her in 1995.   She continued living in their home until her death at the age of 103.  Kay is survived by Carla, Linda and Kenneth along with five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and seven nieces and nephews.

Burial is under the direction of Oakland Memorial Home. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oakland First Aid Squad or Ponds Reformed Church Food Pantry.