Patricia Strom

Surrounded by her loving family, Patricia Fuson Strom passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020.

She was born Feb. 16, 1931, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Lula M. and Albert B. Fuson. She graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1949, having been named valedictorian. Her favorite memories of her high school years were her participation in the theater department, particularly co-starring in the popular play of that time, "My Sister Eileen," as the sensible sister, Ruth. Those who knew and loved her will not be surprised! Her friendships with "the gang," originally 13 seniors, were lifelong -- they formally and informally gathered in several different cities across the country over the past 70 years, including a group of seven last April in Kansas City. After Sept. 1, 2001, the group was marooned on Blakely Island off the coast of Washington State for several days.

Pat graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1953. As a member of Kappa Alpha Theta social sorority, Pat enjoyed keeping up with her Theta sisters and being an active alumna for many years. She met her future husband of 60 years, Stephen Strom, who predeceased her in 2014, when they were both on staff with the university newspaper.

Pat and Steve were married Aug. 21,1954, in North Kansas City and lived in Columbia while Steve finished law school. They were then stationed with the Air Force in California, where their son, David, was born in 1957. Upon returning to Steve's hometown of Cape Girardeau, in order for him to join his father, Elmer Strom, in the practice of law, Pat became active in the community as a member of Southeast Hospital Auxiliary and other groups, and in 1959 gave birth to their daughter, Susan. In 1967, Pat was honored as recipient of the Cape Girardeau Jaycee Wives' Outstanding Young Woman of the Year award.

Her deep Christian faith was the leading force and legacy in her life. She and Steve were founding members of both Westminster Presbyterian Church and LaCroix Church. For seven years she was involved in the leadership of a women's community Bible study for nearly 100 women, held at Westminster. During her many years at LaCroix, Pat served as worship assistant and also delighted in serving in the drama ministry. She volunteered in LaCroix's after-school program at Jefferson Elementary School for seven years, beginning when she was 80 years young and cut short by her cancer diagnosis in the winter of 2019. In the last two years, she also served in the children's ministry during Sunday worship. Pat was a lay leader, certified district lay speaker and teacher in the adult ministry at both Westminster and LaCroix. Pat and Steve were devoted teaching team members for over 20 Lay Renewal events in churches throughout the southeast United States between 1979 and 2003.

Over the years, Pat enjoyed being active in the leadership of many community groups, serving as president of Franklin Elementary School PTA, Cape Girardeau Central High School PTA, Village Garden Club, Cape Girardeau Council of Garden Clubs, Cape Country Club Women's Golf Association and Cape County Republican Women's Club. A 62-year member of PEO, she served one term as president of FY Chapter. She was a 70-year member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and was regent of the Nancy Hunter Chapter.

Pat often drafted her friends to join her in new efforts such as being Girl Scout leaders at May Greene Elementary School. She and Steve were very involved in local and state politics, hosting events in their home for Republican candidates such as Kit Bond. She was five-county area supervisor for the 1970 census.

Another of Pat's passions for service was to local abused women and their children. She volunteered for the then-existing women's shelter in Cape Girardeau for four years, beginning in 1986. In 1990, she served as president of the board of directors. When that facility closed, she felt called to establish what is now the Safe House for Women, putting together a board of directors and leading the organization for many years. She poured herself into the task, from writing grant requests to driving clients to appointments and helping with their personal needs. In 1992 Pat was awarded the Southwestern Bell Senior Adult Volunteer Award for establishing the new Safe House. She was thankful this group continues to serve these needs and has recently moved into a larger facility.

In recent years, Pat was one of the original supporters of Cape Girardeau's Honorable Young Men's Club, the new mentoring program in the city's middle and junior high schools. She believed greatly in its mission and was thrilled to see this program grow and gain national attention.

Pat loved entertaining friends and family over the years, from elaborate dinners as a part of their Gourmet Club to holiday meals with family and drinks with neighbors on her Chateau porch. Her delicious coffeecake, feather-light yeast rolls and addictive "Mimi Mix" are family legends and live on through her children and grandchildren.

Golf was a big part of hers and Steve's lives. They enjoyed many golfing trips with family and friends, including to Ireland in 1996 to watch her niece, Ellen Port, play in the Curtis Cup. Pat was named Cape Country Club Champion in 1977 and celebrated a hole-in-one in 1999. Sailing on Kentucky Lake near the cabin she and Steve acquired and renovated, a much-loved family retreat for 15 years, was a joy to both of them. Playing bridge with her Chateau neighbors and friends brought her great pleasure. She also followed the stock market and city, state and national politics very closely throughout her many years.

Travel was another of Pat's passions and pleasures. In addition to tracing the Lewis and Clark Trail, an Alaskan adventure, a pilgrimage to Israel and an African safari, she and Steve enjoyed many European trips and introducing their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to fun and historical sites. Following her diagnosis, her greatest wish was to travel with family, and she was blessed with trips to a family wedding, informal high school reunion, the beaches of Longboat Key and a cruise on the St. Lawrence River.

Pat was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and delighted great-grandmother. Predeceased by her parents; brother, Alvin Fuson, and husband, Steve, she is survived by her two children and their families: sons, David (Caroline) Strom of Sikeston, Missouri, and their children, Sarah Strom (Eric) Bohl; Matthew Hunter Strom and Stuart Moore Strom; and daughter, Susan Strom (Peter) Skilton of Charlotte, North Carolina, and their children, Paige Skilton (Charlie) Hinkle and Stephen Eric (Lara) Skilton. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, August, Maggie and John Henry Bohl and Oliver Skilton; her sister-in-law, Cornelia Fuson; brother-in-law, John Squires; and nieces and nephews, Ellen Fuson Port, Brent Fuson, Chris Squires, Bill Squires and Katherine Squires Munson.

Pat and her family have been overwhelmingly grateful and blessed mightily by her team of nursing angels, led by Nancy Bishop and Jill Essner, who ensured that she was covered with tenderness, love and the highest possible healthcare and quality of life in her last months. She was also very thankful for the care of Southeast Hospice in her last weeks.

Services will be private.

Prayers, condolences and memories are welcome at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, Pat requested that memorial contributions be made to LaCroix Church, 3102 Lexington Ave, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 or Safe House for Women, P.O. Box 1167, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702.

May the Lord be glorified! 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 (NLV)