Ann Strain

Verona - Cavilla Anna Strain, age 101, peacefully passed away early Wednesday morning, June 17, 2015. Her last days were spent at Agrace HospiceCare surrounded by family. She was born May 14, 1914 in Madison to Harold and Jennie Helgesen. She graduated from East High School and was an active member of the Salvation Army as a young woman. In 1937, she married the love of her life, John P. Strain. Together, "Johnny" and "Toots" - as they were known to each other - raised seven children, Mike (Yoshi), Sheila Eith (Wayne), Susan Bovre (Marcus), Dan (Dawn), Greg (Sara), Jack (Gail), and Deb Berg (Ken). Over the years Ann had numerous jobs but mainly loved being a stay-at-home mother. In her later years, she became a member of First Baptist Church in Madison. She joined the Olbrich Garden Club and also did ceramics with a group of friends. She enjoyed reading, painting, gardening, bird watching, and traveling. She could never pass up a dish of ice cream or the chance to hold a baby. Preceding her in death were her parents, Harold and Jennie Helgesen; brothers, Ellsworth, Milton and Floyd; her husband, John; her son, Michael; and her grandson, Marques Bovre. She is survived by her sister, Betty Yahn of California; 6 children; 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. We would like to thank Ann's Pastor, Mark Klinger, the kind staff at Agrace, and the staff at Orchid Home, who took such good care of her over the past six years. A special thank you to Sue Hardwig, who kept her smiling and came to see her on her last day. Ann was a quiet, warm, and wonderful woman, she will be missed by many. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 28, at First Baptist Church, 518 N. Franklin Ave, Madison, with Pastor Mark Klinger officiating. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m., the service will be held at 4:00 p.m., with refreshments to follow.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434
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www.cressfuneralservice.com