Peabody…

Mrs. Helen S. (Staub) Stranz, age 100 years, wife of the late Ernest G. Stranz, died Monday evening, December 5, 2011 at the Renaissance Gardens at Brooksby Village. Mrs. Stranz was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin, daughter of the late John J. and Elsie (Steele) Staub. She was raised and educated in Wisconsin and graduated from Carroll University in the class of 1932.

Following College, Mrs. Stranz entered the United States Navy and served her Country during WWII and the Korean War. She attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Mrs. Stanz was employed with Bonwit Tellers in Chicago where she was a buyer for the company. She married Ernest Stanz in 1954 and was happily married until his passing in 1969. Mrs. Stranz relocated to Chagrin Falls, OH and in 1984, she took over ownership of the Village Exchange, a business her sister had started in 1964. Mrs. Stranz retired in 2004. During her retirement, Mrs. Stranz moved to Brooksby Village in Peabody.

Mrs. Stranz was a member of the Chagrin Falls Historical Society and the Chagrin Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Surviving her are one niece, Gretchen Rickards and her husband Reese of Byfield, MA; two nephews, Steven Van Nort and his wife Carolyn of Tuscon, AZ; Peter Van Nort and his wife Karen of Glen Arbor, Michigan; and many great nieces and great nephews. She was also the sister of the late Betty "Betsy" June Van Nort.

Memorial services have not been determined at this time. In lieu if flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Chagrin Falls Historical Society, 21 Walnut St., Chagrin Falls, OH 44022. Arrangements are under the direction of the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., Salem, MA 01915. For on line guest book or information please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978 744 0497.