Mary Helen Strong

Mary Helen Strong (nee Roberts) was born to eternal life June 1, 2024 at the age of 97 years.  Mary passed away at her Wauwatosa home, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on November 7, 1926 in Escanaba, Michigan to parents Raymond and Agnes Roberts.

Mary is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Paul Francis Strong, and their equally beloved son, Michael.

She is survived by her children Lynn Strong (Bob Linscott), Mark (Patty) Strong, Paul (Carolyn) Strong, Leanne (Jack) Lake, and her adored grandchildren Courtney (Brent) Bode, Renee Strong, Stuart (Marita) Strong, Zoe Lake, Will Lake, Zachary (Taylor) Strong, Dylan Strong (Carmen Englehart), and their mother Peggy Strong.  Mary is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, who lovingly referred to her as "GG".  She was an equally beloved sister, cousin, aunt, and great-aunt to the extended Roberts, Strong, and Peterson families.

Mary was raised during the Great Depression and came of age during World War II, uncertain times that led Mary to develop a habit of slipping into imaginative worlds she created in her mind.  As a young woman she enjoyed tennis and radio broadcasting, but her true love was writing.  Mary wrote and directed children's theater at the Sunset Playhouse in Elm Grove, Wisconsin.  She "adopted" many of the actors and actresses at the Playhouse as her "kids", and was a fixture in the Sunset community, hosting salons in her living room with her former acting students and theater friends.  She was an artist, and avid reader, a lover of crossword puzzles, poetry, and potato chips, but above all else,  Mary was an incredible friend.

In her nearly century on earth she consoled those around her through death, divorce, addiction, break-ups, illness, loss, and all matters of life.  Mary was a gifted listener - part therapist, part spiritualist, with the wisdom to match, and she seemed to have a direct line to God, because her prayers were always answered.  Mary will be missed by all who loved her, but she will never be far from their sides.  Remember Mary when you hear a whisper in the wind, an echo of laughter on the breeze, or see an extra twinkle in the stars.  Her spirit lives on in her family and many friends

A Memorial Gathering will be held Monday, August 5, 2024 at Church of the Gesu ,1145 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee from 9:00 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM.

Please remember the Strong family in your thoughts and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's name to the Sunset Playhouse Children's Theater, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.