Obituaries

Kathleen Strong (AKA “Irish”) passed away peacefully on Monday, June 5, 2024 following seven years of enduring Lewy Body Dementia that is not curable.

Irish was born in Bertha, MN on August 31,1948 to her parents, Alice Jean & Colonel Roy Eugene Ireland. Irish grew up moving throughout the USA, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Irish was an Air Force Military “Brat” along with her two brothers, Michael and Kevin Ireland.

Changes in Air Force Bases were frequent and resulted in Irish attending high schools in Georgia, Kansas, and she finished high school in Bitburg, Germany.

While in Bitburg High School, Irish met her soulmate and future husband, Cameron Strong. In 1966, Irish & Cameron returned to the USA, were married and started their family welcoming their first son, Roger.  A few years later, they completed their family with the birth of their son Todd.  Irish and Cameron have always been passionate about their family during their 57-year marriage and timeless love for each other.

When Cameron became an officer in the Air Force, Irish & family began transferring once again starting at the Air Force Academy, Alaska and South Dakota.  After Cameron’s discharge from the Air Force; Irish, Cameron and their boys moved to Colorado for eleven years and then settling in Seattle for forty years.

Irish was the family pillar of love & caring and is known as never having met a stranger. Irish always acted with deep and unconditional love for her family and vast community.  Irish absolutely LOVED her grandkids and bent over backwards to enjoyed adventuring with them as much as possible. Being around her infectious energy always made you feel like a rockstar and she convinced you that you were born with superhero powers.

Irish had unlimited energy.  Her love knew no bounds, being supercharged and possessing an immense heart she was bestowed numerous nicknames. Miss I, Aunt Kath, Nanny and of course, Irish. One of her many gifts and exceptional qualities was her ability to make up unique words to describe anything. For example, when she combined grape and apple juice for her boys it was called Grapple. Additionally, her world class microwave skills led to the phrase “nuking it gently” and the title Microwave Queen.

Irish enjoyed many forms of recreation, sports, school, work and travel.   All of this while balancing work for the Archdiocese of Denver, managing multiple dental practices, then after moving to Seattle, WA, she expanded her career to I.T. Sales and Real Estate.  Irish and Cameron became avid boaters on their yacht called “Irish Ayes”. They enjoyed cruising with family, friends and especially the grandkids throughout the USA, San Juan Islands, Canadian Gulf Islands and the ports in British Columbia and to Alaska.

Irish is survived by her beloved husband, Cameron, two sons, Roger (Merridy) and Todd. Three amazing grandchildren; Romeal, Paloma and Maya. Her brothers Michael (Cindy) and Kevin (April).

A private memorial is being planned for the family.

Irish chose to participate in extensive research for Lewy Body Dementia and left a legacy to that organization.  In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests donations be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association or a charity of your choice.    https://www.lbda.org