Jewel Betty Strocher's Obituary
May 12, 1925 – October 8, 2015Jewel Betty Strocher, 90, of Brentwood, CA passed away peacefully in the evening of Thursday, October 8, 2015, at Sutter Delta Medical Center In Antioch, CA.Jewel was born May 12, 1925, in Durango, Colorado, to Josephine Malvina (McNeil) Baldwin and William Francis Baldwin, the fifth of seven children that included brother William and sisters Dorothy, Donna, Beryl, Alice and Carole.Jewel and her siblings lived in many cities with their mother who usually taught in one-room schoolhouses. She had a strong love for animals and nature that continued throughout her life.During WWII she worked as an electrician in the shipyards, climbing high into the riggings to wire the ships, as she was nimble and not afraid of heights. Jewel donated blood for most of her life and was recognized for her generous giving.Jewel was also employed at Ampex during the 1940s to 1950s in their magnetic recording department where she wound the recording heads. Jewel worked alongside Ray Dolby who later founded Dolby Laboratories.She married Gordon Robert Strocher on June 30, 1946 at Grace Lutheran Church in Burlingame, CA. They enjoyed many trips together including Palm Springs and the Russian River.While living in Belmont, CA, Jewel and Gordon adopted their sons Mark in 1958, and Stanley in 1960. Soon after they moved to Burlingame, CA. Jewel was a talented draftsman and architect designing three homes on the 3 1/2 acres that they purchased in the early 1960s.Jewel along with Gordon loved their boys, family and relatives. Jewel helped out many times with the neighborhood families and would often take a carload to the beach or a park.After returning to college and receiving her degree in Gerontology in 1991, she worked the next 8 1/2 years for the San Mateo Union School District where she taught art and art therapy at many convalescent homes in Millbrae and Burlingame. Jewel was an accomplished artist herself and loved to paint and draw, as well as crafts and sewing.On June 23 of 1990 Jewel’s son Stanley married Elaine (Abe), and on August 17, 1993 she became grandmother to Emily who she loved dearly.She lost her dear husband Gordon on August 4, 1989 who she was married to for 43 years.She met George Osborne who became her companion on many trips and brought her wonderful memories.In 2005 Jewel moved to Brentwood, CA where she enjoyed cooking, reading and Kinsey her dog. Her loving son Mark joined her a few years later as her amazing caregiver until her passing.Jewel is survived by sons Mark Strocher and Stanley Strocher, daughter-in-law Elaine and granddaughter Emily, sisters-in-law Twila Strocher and Bette Baldwin. She also leaves behind numerous loving relatives and friends.A celebration of Jewel’s life will be held at 12:00 pm on October 24, 2015 at Skylawn Memorial Park. Hwy 92 at Skyline Blvd San Mateo, CA 94402
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