Laura Strand died on January 12, 2019 at Vandelon Homecare in Hemet. She was a longtime resident of Sun City and a lifetime member of Eastern Star’s chapter Star of the Valley #243. She was born Laura De Mello in Fall River, Massachusetts on August 28, 1924. During WWII, she was a Rosie the Riveter and worked a Defense Plant in Rhode Island. She met her husband-to-be, Bill Strand, in Newport, RI and they married in Brooklyn, NY. After the war, they returned to Mass. to be near Laura’s family while Bill remained in the Navy. They retired to Sun City and were involved in local activities, the most significant, Star of the Valley #243. Laura was proud to be a member and loved all her sisters and brothers. Laura was a loving, kind person who loved everyone and was known for her hugs. She left behind a son, Bill, in Groveland, CA., a daughter Carol and her husband Welton in Rancho Mirage, a grandson in San Jose, a great granddaughter in Los Angeles. She was one of nine children and was the last to pass away. She will be buried with her husband Bill at the Riverside National Cemetery where a graveside service will be performed.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Laura Strand, please visit our floral store.