Barbara L. Strei

Barbara L. Strei peacefully passed away at her home in Bend, OR on Sept. 20, 2017 at age 75. Barbara and her twin sister, Audrey were born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada on Oct. 19, 1941 to John and Marjorie (Laing) Mitchell. Barbaras marriage to Vance C. Long ended when he passed away in 1978. She is known professionally as Barbara L. Strei with her marriage to Earl A. Strei on May 9, 1981. Together they shared 36 happy years filled with memorable adventures including extensive travel to Europe, North Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the South Pacific. They retired to Bend in 2003. Barbaras legacy is cherished by many who were recipients of her professional care as a Registered Nurse. She received her training at the Toronto East General Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, where she began her career as a surgical nurse. Later, after relocating to California, she worked as a surgical nurse in Santa Monica, and Palm Desert and then in Bellevue, WA . Her professional affiliations include: American Association of Operating Room Nurses and a Past President of the Seattle Chapter of AORN. She was also certified for nursing in Oregon by the OR Certification Board of Preoperative Nursing and was also, by Certification Exam, a Legal Nurse Consultant. Barbara was a dedicated member of the Assistance League of Bend, a group of dedicated and caring ladies. Assistance League members and volunteers, with Barbara, would meet twice monthly at the Broken Top Club and the Assistance League Bend Club House to knit, cut and sew a variety of caps and hats that were distributed free of charge to "preemies" and "chemo" patients throughout the Greater Bend area. The HATS PROGRAM is a community asset maintained and supported by the Assistance League of Bend. Barbara was also an active participant with the members of the local Bend Chapter EW of PEO and with her husband Earl acted as hosts for the Chapter. They opened their Broken Top home to visitors as the Bend destination B and B location. This effort provided funds for additional PEO charities. Barbaras active charity efforts included the local BLOOMS Project. Local merchants, in addition to Bends Newport Market and others, provided cut flowers to convalescing Bend Seniors and shut-ins. Barbs life was one of continuing service to others. Her many friends, neighbors and former patients cherish their memories of her multiple acts of kindness combined with uncommon professional skills. Her legacy will be known by the thousands of hours of time accumulated as a volunteer at St. Charles Hospital, Bend. Rest in peace Dear Barbara. Barbara is survived by her husband, Earl A. Strei of Bend and his three children: Jeff (Katy) of Rockville, MD, Jane (Eduardo) Lupiani of Madrid, Spain and Adam (Kristi) of Nashville, TN. These families comprise Earls 10 grandchildren. She is also survived by her twin sister, Audrey Conrad of Mt. Albert, Ontario, Canada. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Robert and Bruce and by other members of her extended Canadian family. A service to Celebrate Barbaras life will be held soon. Memorials are encouraged to be directed to the Assistance League of Bend, the HATS Project, P. O. Box 115, Bend, OR 97707 Arrangements have been entrusted to Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home, Bend. Funeral Home: Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home 105 NW Irving Ave Bend, OR US 97701

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Barbara L. Strei

October 19, 1941 - September 20, 2017