Born September 2, 1918, Died November 4, 2020
Eloise Stromee was born on her grandparent Hovander’s Homestead Farm, which is now the Whatcom County Park in Ferndale, Washington. She spent her first 18 years with her parents, Karl and Elsa Stromee, in San Bernardino, California, where she met Fred Harder, who would bring her to Oregon. She moved into a cottage on his father’s Astoria dairy farm in 1938. Together they had two sons and three daughters. After she became a widow, Ellie moved to Medford where she met and married Anthony Garcia, who preceded her in death.
Ellie’s enthusiasm for native alpine plants prompted her in 1970 to found the southern Oregon chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society. Ellie’s special interests in music, reading, Northwest history, cooking, and keeping up with the activities of her daughters and grandchildren, plus her interest in people kept her vibrant and enthusiastic for life until age 102.
She is survived by Diane Mackenzie, Anne Lutzow and Joy Harris, plus six grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.
At her request a private service will be held.
Submitted by Diane Mackenzie
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