Helen Eileen Strassman

Helen Eileen (McDermott) Strassman, 84, passed away peacefully on April 20th, 2009 at her home in Oregon, WI.   She was born on April 15, 1925 in Dodgeville, WI   to Thomas and (Mary) Agnes McDermott being the fifth of six children.   After spending her childhood on the family farm in the Ridgeway area and graduating from Ridgeway High School in 1943, Helen moved to Madison.   It was here she was to meet her future husband, Howard Strassman, at a local dance hall.  They were united in marriage on August 12, 1950 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Madison.   Helen was very proud of her Irish heritage; always indicating that her favorite color was green, like her eyes, and surviving many years by sheer Irish luck and determination.   She enjoyed a great day of shopping, a mean card game, a graceful waltz, traveling the country, as well as a nice chat with a good friend.   Company was always welcome, and her sense of humor and light heartedness made serious problems seem to melt away.   She was most proud of her family and devoted her life to raising them. Helen is survived by her husband of fifty-eight years, Howard; sons, Greg, Dave, and Tim (Dawn); and daughters, Gloria and Michelle (Dean) Nelson; daughter-in-law, Darlene; grandchildren, Brian, Stacy, Kayla, Wesley, Jeni, Joe, Elizabeth, James, Matthew, Heidi, Tim, Evan, and Pierce; great-grandchild, Tommy;   brothers, Burnell and Frank (Marie) and sister , Agnes; many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.   She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, LaVerne and sister, Geraldine, along with many brother and sister in-laws.   Services will be held at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church on Saturday, April 25th, 2009 at 11 am.   Friends and family may visit at Cress Funeral home on 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI   from 4 to 7 pm on Friday, April 24th and   prior to the service on Saturday.   Memorials may be made to   a charity of your choice.   We will miss you and never forget you!