Ervette "Eppie" Strange

WINDHAM — Ervette “Eppie” Strange, 90, of Windham, died at Maine Medical Center on Friday, Jan. 12, 2018.

She was born on March 10, 1927, the second daughter of Fred B. Jordan Sr., and Helen Goff Jordan, and one of seven children. She graduated from Windham High School in 1944, when she delivered her salutatorian speech on the scientific and medical advances in post-World War II America.

On a blind date, Eppie met Neal Strange, who had served as a second lieutenant in the Army Air Corps. They were married in 1947 and began their adventure together. Neal and Eppie settled in the Stroudwater section of Portland, where they raised a family of one girl and five boys. For most of that time they lived at 1871 Congress Street in the house that her father-in-law, Dr. Clifford Strange, had moved from the Stroudwater Flying Field, which he had established in 1929 and which later became the Portland International Jetport.

Eppie was an energetic, devoted mother and an active member of the Stroudwater community, well-known for her initiative and willingness to tackle almost anything. She loved gardening, sewing, and baking, creating beautifully decorated cakes. She served on countless committees at her children’s schools and was an active longtime member of the Stroudwater Baptist Church Ladies Guild.

In later years, she worked outside the home, and particularly enjoyed her job in the office of Drs. George and Charles Geer.

In 1982, Neal and Eppie moved to Crescent Lake in Raymond, where they enjoyed flying over the Lake Region in their 1946 Aeronca Champion seaplane. Their dock was a recognized seaplane base, with a bright orange windsock that Eppie created, billowing in the breeze. The lakeside home was a wonderful gathering place for their ever-expanding family with its countless activities and natural beauty.

Eppie served on the Town of Raymond Planning Board for a number of years.
They left Raymond and moved to Windham in 2008. Eppie soon joined the Cross Roads Garden Club where she made many friends. She also spent countless hours knitting and crocheting for her 14 great-grandchildren.

Eppie was predeceased by her husband, Neal; her son, Glenn Strange; her brothers, Fred Jordan Jr., Malcolm Jordan, Philip Jordan, and Dana Jordan; and her sister, Arlene Tyler.

She is survived by her sister, Patricia Jacobs of Euharlee, Ga.; her daughter, Gail Strange Thompson of Portland, and Oak Bluffs, Mass.; sons, Keith Strange of Lincoln, Eric Strange of Westbrook, Mark Strange of Ridgeland, S.C. and Joel Strange of Lovell. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren and their families.

A family graveside service will be held at the time of her burial this spring in Riverside Cemetery in Raymond.

Memorial gifts may be sent to: Town of Windham Clothes Closet and Food Pantry, 377 Gray Road, Windham, ME 04062.