Thelma Jeanette Strenge

August 8th, 1923 - May 15th, 2026

Thelma Jeannette Strenge passed peacefully , May 15, 2026. Born August 8th, 1923 to Norwegian immigrant parents, Henry and Anna Hagen, she lived most of her 102 years in her beloved Spokane. The youngest of four, raised by a widowed mother, Thelma grew up surrounded by a strong community of family, friends, her Lutheran church, and lots of love.

A very proud North Central High School graduate, she attended every reunion and gathering with classmates well into her 80’s. After high school she took bookkeeping classes, working in banks before she was married and had her two children Susan and Jon. When they were older, she worked for the City of Spokane public works and real estate departments, retiring at age 70.

Thelma was always active and social. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, Toastmasters, and Rotary. Her deep Norwegian roots and family were very important to her, and she was an active, lifetime member of the Sons of Norway. In later years her love of dancing and music led her to take up competitive ballroom dancing. She loved to travel, spending time in Norway, Japan, Hong Kong, Hawaiian trips, and many stops around the U.S. An avid Spokane Chiefs fan, she attended countless games, including the Chiefs Memorial Cup championship in Kitchener, Ontario with her son Jon, Lyudmyla and granddaughter Sierra. And she never missed rooting on the Zags and the Seahawks.

But most important to Thelma was family, here and in Norway. Camping trips and card games, cross country motorhome adventures with her son and granddaughter, attending dozens of her grandson’s concerts and games, and many activities with her granddaughter in Phoenix, going to any Spokane event, spending time with her great grands, and especially just being all together for every holiday. (Her pies were a highlight.)

Throughout her long life, Thelma made lasting connections and friendships wherever she went, and loved visiting with everyone. Her sweet smile and twinkling blue eyes will be so missed.

Thelma is survived by her daughter Susan Silver (Mark), her son Jon Strenge (Lyudmyla), grandchildren Max Silver (Lata), Ben Silver (Carly), Sierra Roberts (Deonte), Iryna Malova (Charlie), and great grandchildren Alma, Emberly, Ruby and Leo.

Special thanks to the countless caregivers and staff at The Vineyard, for their love and support these past 2 years.